The pre-Columbian archaeological site of Monte Albán is situated on a mountain range located in the Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán Municipality of the Mexican state of Oaxaca. It is roughly 9 kilometers away from the state capital, Oaxaca City. The site stands at an elevation of 1,940 meters and rises 400 meters from the valley floor. It comprises of a partially excavated civic ceremonial center, several hundred artificial terraces, and a dozen clusters of mounded architecture. Atzompa and El Gallo hills, which are located to the north, are also considered a part of the ancient city.