Old Town Albuquerque

Wednesday, July 7, 2004

If you ever visit Albuquerque, be sure and see Old Town Plaza. Old Town is the heart of Albuquerque's culture and heritage, with roots going back 500 years. Founded in 1706, Albuquerque he center of an area that has known a European presence for over 500 years, in a city that was founded in 1706. The flags of Spain, Mexico, the United States fly in the plaza representing the past where each of these countries have governed the city. During the Civil War the Confederate States of America controlled Albuquerque for a few short weeks. Buildings around the Old Town Plaza and on the side streets are authentic adobes up to 300 years old, many built in Albuquerque's distinctive "Territorial Style."

Settlers built their first homes here, near the banks of the Rio Grande. The area
served as a farming community and a military outpost. The settlement was a
traditional Spanish town, with a central plaza surrounded by a church, homes and
government buildings. The buildings are adobe, a type of mud-clay brick covered by more of the same. Many of these "territorial" style buildings still stand today,
including the church. Some have been transformed into businesses, others are
still homes.

On holidays and special occasions the are parades, which our family loves to see. Of course the luminarios at Christmas are the most beautiful sight. These paper bags with sand and a candle inside glow beautifully and decorate the plaza.

We'll be taking Yann and Aude to the plaza soon, so I'll have more photos to show you.

If anyone has a special request for photos, or local history or information let me know. :) It'd be a pleasure to get it up here for you.

As for the temperature today, it is still a scorcher. Weather man says we can expect much of the same for a while, though we may get some clouds and thunderstorms by the weekend. One can only hope.

Other things you have to look forward to in the next week or so are:
New Mexico Flowers
Wildlife in New Mexico
Yummy food
Churches
Walking tour of Santa Fe
Native American Art
...and more.

Come by and check in, lemme know whatcha think, and if there is anything I am missing!

See ya laters!

Old Town Albuquerque combines beauty, history, and great shopping. This is the Church of San Felipe de Neri, on the square.

The Church of San Felipe de Neri has been used as a parish church for over 200 years. You can still attend a service today.