Old Town, Albuquerque

by VeronicaG, 2 more photos
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Selling Wares in Historic Old
Town

Old Town was established in the early 1700's. A number of historic buildings have been restored and are now little shops, art galleries and restaurants. Just as in Santa Fe, several Indian artisans were gathered beneath a sheltered walkway, displaying their wares. This was the main part of town until the railroad came to Albuquerque in 1880. Across the street was a public park, where benches invited the weary to sit for a while (picture #3) and military cannons drew husbands and children over for a closer examination (picture #2). Those pictured are called Mountain Howitzers. We didn't have the opportunity to see much of Albuquerque on our last visit, so it was interesting walking about the historic streets.

Address: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Website: http://www.albuquerqueoldtown.com/


	Old Town: Old Town Albuquerque	Tip Rating:

Updated By JamesABQ

on June 29, 2004

by JamesABQ
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Old Town

Old Town was the original village where it all began. In 1706 La Villa de Alburquerque was founded. From that small village the city of Albuquerque grew. Old Town is definately worth a stroll. Lots of shopping and art galleries.

Address: Just West of downtown Albuquerque

Directions: Near downtown

Website: http://www.oldtownalbuquerque.com/


	Old Town: Kaleidoscopes are Fun!	Tip Rating:

Updated By AlbuqRay

on July 31, 2003

by AlbuqRay,
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How Does This Work?

La Casita de Kaleidoscopes should not be missed. It is in the Patio Market, a small courtyard southeast of the Plaza that many people don't find. Tell Lesley that AlbuqRay sent you. Warning to men though...don't let your significant other find the jewelry store next door, Christian Wolf Gallery (it's too late for me).

Address: Southeast Corner of Old Town Albuquerque


	Old Town: Old Town Albuquerque	Tip Rating:

Updated By AlbuqRay

on July 31, 2003

by AlbuqRay
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Old Town Plaza

Most former Spanish towns have a central plaza with a church. Albuquerque is no exception. Old Town is touristy but still should be visited. Besides the church, many shops, art galleries and hidden patios, several of Albuquerque's museums are in the same area, including the art museum, the natural history museum (with its dinosaur exhibits), the science museum (Explora!) and even a rattlesnake museum. The middle two are great for kids. My favorite restaurant in the area is Seasons Rotisserie and Grill, which is north of Old Town Plaza across Mountain Road. It is also only about half a mile to the Botanical Garden and Aquarium. Don't miss the kaleidoscope shop (see below).

Address: South of I-40 on Rio Grande Blvd.


	Old Town: San Felipe de Neri Church	Tip Rating:

By lovemycacti

on February 25, 2004

by lovemycacti
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San Felipe de Neri Church

San Felipe de Neri Church, founded in 1706, was originally located near where Plaza Don Luis stands today. In 1793, the present church was built. San Falipe de Neri presently has 800 families registered and has been in continuous use for almost 300 years. It is on both the National and State Register for Historical Properties. The Church is open to the public daily. Masses: Sat. 5:30 pm; Sun. 7:00am, 8:30 am (in Spanish), & 10:15 am. Church Museum (located in back patio) is open Mon-Sat. 10-4. Donations accepted. Although the interior won't necessarily "wow" you a stop at this historic church is a must, especially since it is located in 'Old Town'.

Address: 2005 North Plaza

Directions: Old Town - located just off I-40 (Take the Rio Grande Blvd. Exit) at the corner of Central Ave. and Rio Grande Blvd.


	Old Town: San Felipe de Neri Church	Tip Rating:

Updated By VeronicaG

on November 1, 2007

by VeronicaG,
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San Felipe de Neri Church

This lovely stucco church has been standing across from town square for over two hundred years. It's the San Felipe de Neri Church, which has been a 'house of prayer' since 1793. It is the oldest Catholic parish in Albuquerque. San Felipe has been placed on the National and State registry of historic places. There are plans to further restore this beautiful landmark and it is hoped that the public will want to be part of the project. The building is an adobe construction with 5 foot thick walls. Sometime after the mid-1800's, Bishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy of Santa Fe coordinated some improvements to the building and added spires. The gables at the entrance and widow's walk were added by Jesuit Priests who traveled to Albuquerque from Naples. The Parish museum can be visited from Monday-Saturday between 10am-4pm. Religious items, as well as, souvenirs can be purchased. For more history on this historic church see the website below.

Address: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Website: http://www.albuquerqueoldtown.com/

Other Contact: www.sanfelipedeneri.org


	Old Town: Old Town	Tip Rating:

Updated By MarkJochim

on March 26, 2003

by MarkJochim
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San Felipe de Neri (Mark
Jochim, July 2001)

When the first families settled near the banks of the Rio Grande in 1706, Albuquerque was a colonial farming village and a military outpost along the Camino Real between Chihuahua and Santa Fe. The village formed in the traditional Spanish pattern of a central plaza surrounded by the Church, government buildings and homes.

Address: Romero and Old Town Road

Directions: Travel west from Downtown on old Route 66 (Central Avenue) then turn north on Rio Grande Boulevard. The best parking (free) is at the Albuquerque Museum on Mountain Road.


	Old Town: Parish of San Felipe de Neri	Tip Rating:

Updated By MarkJochim

on April 2, 2003

by MarkJochim
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(Mark Jochim, July 2001)

Constructed in 1793, the Church of San Felipe de Neri is still a working Catholic parish. It is possible to attend church services here on Sundays and on Wednesday evenings. One of these years, I'd like to attend their Christmas Eve Midnight Mass - very beautiful with the entire Plaza decorated with the traditional lumarias (also known as farolitos) - lined-up paper bags with a lighted candle inside illuminating the outside of the bag. The church is open to the public from 8 in the morning until dusk, except during special events.

Address: 2005 Plaza N.W.

Phone: (505) 243-4628


	Old Town: Church of San Felipe de Neri	Tip Rating:

Updated By MarkJochim

on April 2, 2003

by MarkJochim
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San Felipe de Neri (Astrid
Nathan 5/29/93)

Provincial Governor Cuervo y Valdez named the villa in honor of the Viceroy of New Spain, the Duke of Alburquerque. In the early 1800s, the first "r" was dropped from the official spelling. The church of San Felipe de Neri was originally built on the west side of the plaza. In 1793 the site was changed to the present location on the north side. You can walk inside the church; there is also a small museum with relics dating from the 17th century. OPEN: church - 8AM until dusk; museum - 1-4

Address: 2005 Plaza N.W.

Phone: (505) 243-4628


	Old Town: Old Town is worth the stroll	Tip Rating:

By atufft

on January 11, 2006

by atufft, 4 more photos
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Old Town Plaza and Cathedral

As said in the introduction, we were only here for the day, so a quick trip to the old town was the best we could do with the time we had. The old town is relatively authentic and not overly restored or commercialized relative to so other cities. The Church, unfortunately, is not the original adobe structure, but it still has some age to it. The souvenir shops are mostly filled with junk though, so spend your money elsewhere. The prices of jewelry and other authentic Indian wear is simply too high here. The restaurant we dined at though was quite good and had a view of the plaza.