Stepping Back in Time in Old Town Albuquerque
June 2021
Exploring Albuquerque’s Historic Heart
After exploring the historic volcanic trails of the Petroglyph National Monument, we headed into the historic heart of the city, Old Town Albuquerque. The ten-block historic district, founded in 1706, preserves centuries of Spanish colonial history with classic adobe architecture, shaded plazas, and a vibrant local art scene.
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Right at the entrance to the district, we were welcomed by an artistic adobe archway with a vibrant mosaic across the structure. The tile work depicts a transition from a starry night sky on one side to a desert sunrise on the other. We walked to the central plaza, a peaceful green space centered around a historic white wooden gazebo decorated with hanging lights. We passed under a heavy wooden beam into the Patio Market, a quiet oasis packed with lush potted flowers and small shops. The thick adobe walls blocked out the city noise, which created a serene environment where we even spotted a little sparrow resting on a hanging metal bucket.
In front of the historic San Felipe de Neri Church, which has been standing here since the city’s founding, we sat down for a moment to enjoy the square’s wonderful energy. I really loved Old Town’s vibe, watching people relax on benches in the shade, surrounded by the beautiful architecture and those teal colors. Between Petroglyph National Monument and Old Town, every bit of the 100-mile drive from Medanales to Albuquerque had been completely worth it.