Experience the Charm of Old Town
The focal point of community life since it was founded in 1706 by Governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdez. Centered around the plaza, Albuquerque's Old Town encompasses about ten blocks of historic adobe buildings. On the north side of the plaza is the San Felipe de Neri Church, the oldest building in the city, which was built in 1793. Surrounding the church, the city's settlers had built their homes, shops and government offices, many of which have since been converted into the restaurants, art galleries and shops that comprise Old Town today.
Old Town today looks much like it did when it was built centuries ago. Its Pueblo-Spanish style architecture with flat-roofed buildings and soft contours of adobe mirror the Southwestern landscape. Long portals (porches) line the fronts of most buildings offering shade from the New Mexican sun. Bancos (benches) are often found built into the back walls of the portals, providing the perfect place for weary walkers to sit and watch the world go by.
For almost three centuries Old Town has been the crossroads of the Southwest. It is the Historical Zone of the City of Albuquerque and home for many families whose ancestors founded the town.
1943 Albuquerque First School
Courtesy of the Albuquerque Museum Our Lady of Angels School, Old Town, 1943. [email protected] Mon Aug 14 16:04:03 -0600 2017 1502748236 FILENAME: 712953.jpg
Nestled between the Sandia mountains (spanish for watermelon) and three volcanoes (three-sisters), is a rift valley carved by the Rio Grande river. In the middle of that valley is a historic farming community, turned outpost, and then officially a village in 1706 that predates the forming of the United States by four generations. This village, originally named Villa de Alburquerque has flown under the flags of 3 nations (Spain, Mexico, U.S.A.), saw the brutal merger of two civilizations, and has ultimately become one of the most unique and culturally significant melting pots in history of the United States, now known as Albuquerque, NM.
Come and explore a town where the buildings are formed out of the earth itself, sculpted of mud brick (adobe) with roofs suspended by large beams of sugar pine (vigas). Where seeds from distinct crops, grew into a culinary tradition stretching back a half a millennia and artisanal traditions passed-down by generations skillfully creating pottery, jewelry, rugs in the bygone methods of yore. With a truly unique culture that has influenced art, language, & wars, the world over.
A nationally designated historic site founded in 1706, Old Town Albuquerque is home to more than 120 independent restaurants and boutiques alongside world-class museums making it an unforgettable getaway.
Pre Colonialism
1540
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Spanish Empire
1706
1821
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Mexico
1821
1846
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Territory of the United States
1846
1912
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Statehood to Present
1912
Present
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