It was settled by Zapotecs, who still populate much of the Tlacolula Valley. There are three parts to this fortified site. In the center, staircases lead from an enormous man-made platform to the temples and main palaces. The acropolis containing an atalaya grantica overlooks the site and the rest of the Tlacolula Valley. The view of the Tlacolula Valley from the defensive walls above the site is unequaled.
Stairs lead up toward the mountain, where the majority of the town's population lived.
A relatively unexplored region on the other side of the river south of Yagul contains a small palace with grecas and other modest residences. The site's architecture is similar in many ways to that of Monte Alban. It's Palace of Six Patios is almost identical to the Group of the Columns at Mitla. This enormous labyrinth-like structure was inhabited by the ruler, or rulers, of Yagul. This has been totally excavated, and surrounding the six patios are rooms with one or three entrances.