Montezuma Castle National Monument

Nestled in the landscape near Phoenix, Montezuma Castle National Monument stands as one of North America’s most well-preserved ruins, dating back over 1,000 years. Originally built by the Sinagua Indians, these ancient farmers constructed a multi-family cliff dwelling, not a castle as its name suggests. The site, declared one of the United States’ first national monuments in 1906, features a five-story structure embedded in the limestone cliffs. Today, visitors can explore the area and gain insight into the lives of the Sinagua people through the preserved architecture and interpretive exhibits.