The first temple that you encounter upon entering the Grand Plaza is Edifice XV (Roman numeral “15”).  This temple felt small and humble, especially compared to the temples of Palenque and Yaxchilan.

According to the INAH Plaque accompanying this temple, Edifice XV (“15”) is a rectangular stepped base with 2 upper tiers.  Stela VII (“7”) is set at the center of the lower tier’s stone slab floor.  The absence of good nearby limestone quarries caused the Mayans to put wood and thatch roofs on their temples, including Edifice XV (“15”).  Edifice XV (“15”) is the only temple in the Grand Plaza whose stairway looks outward, pointing towards the Frey Group.  Edifice XV (“15”) has 3 stairways, the main stairway has reinforcements and takes up a large part of the north side.  The west staircase takes up the entire west side, and the east stairway leads up the the temple base.