| Old Town tips and photos posted by real travelers and Albuquerque locals. • 58 Photos • 39 Reviews See all Albuquerque Things To Do |  | Albuquerque Old Town Reviews | 1 - 10 of 39 |  |
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.
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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.
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 Old Town by JamesABQ 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. Leave a Comment
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 San Felipe de Neri Church by lovemycacti 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'. Leave a Comment Address: 2005 North PlazaDirections: Old Town - located just off I-40 (Take the Rio Grande Blvd. Exit) at the corner of Central Ave. and Rio Grande Blvd.
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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). Leave a Comment Address: Southeast Corner of Old Town Albuquerque
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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. Leave a Comment Directions: Get directions into old town, as it is surrounded by freeway overcrossings. These new ramp systems are new and nicely painted though.Website: http://www.albuquerqueoldtown.com/
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 Old Town Plaza by AlbuqRay 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). Leave a Comment Address: South of I-40 on Rio Grande Blvd.
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 (Mark Jochim, July 2001) by MarkJochim 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. Leave a Comment Address: 2005 Plaza N.W.Phone: (505) 243-4628
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 San Felipe de Neri (Astrid Nathan 5/29/93) by MarkJochim 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 Leave a Comment Address: 2005 Plaza N.W.Phone: (505) 243-4628
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 San Felipe de Neri (Mark Jochim, July 2001) by MarkJochim 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. Leave a Comment Address: Romero and Old Town RoadDirections: 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.
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