Pueblo Bonito...
Chaco Culture National Historic Park, New Mexico

		Pueblo Bonito had over eight hundred rooms. The floor plan of Pueblo Bonito is D-shaped, surrounding the central plaza. The Great Kiva can be seen in the center of the plaza.

Looking down at the high back wall of Pueblo Bonito from the cliff above. The Great Kiva can be seen at the top right.		Diorama in the Chaco Canyon Visitor Center depicting a view of the plaza with kivas in the foreground and buildings beyond.		Diorama looking from the living area to the plaza. It is thought that the "key-hole" shape doorways were designed so they could easily bring things into the room, but let less heat or cold into the room.

		Winter View of the Great Kiva of Pueblo Bonito...  The most important kiva is the Great Kiva, with one or two being found in each village. They are always the focal point of the pueblo.
In Chaco Canyon all of the Great Kivas have benches which encircle the lower part of the walls. The snow in this photo helps to define the benches. There is a raised fireplace and two masonry vaults on each side.

Floor Plan of Pueblo Bonito.		Floor Plan of the Great Kiva of Pueblo Bonito.

		Detail of Stonework of Pueblo Bonito...  The outer surfaces are covered with a veneer of carefully sized stone laid in courses of varying thickness. The details of stonework at the corners of walls and at door jambs are of superior workmanship. The masonry of the kivas of Chaco Canyon is of the finest craftsmanship.