Albuquerque

The largest city in the state by population can courtesy of its International Airport be described as the gateway to New Mexico. If you treat it only as a gateway and quickly move on the better known centres such as Santa Fé or Taos, you will be missing a lot. Founded in 1706, the city was named after the Duke of Albuquerque, then the King of Spain’s viceroy in Mexico City.

Buffalo Dance, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Although the modern building does not provide the best backdrop for a traditional Indian dance, the Cultural Center provides a good showcase for the history, cultural heritage and accomplishments of the Pueblo Indians. Located on the outskirts near to the I-40, the center is owned and operated by the 19 Indian Pueblos of New Mexico.and so provides a picture that is free from commercial bias or Hollywood hype.

Plaza & Old Federal Building

The old town area still has its old Spanish Plaza although it is unlikely that the bandstand has colonial origins. You can also be sure that the 130 shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants that cater for tourists do not date back to the colonial era although many of them are housed in historic buildings.

Old building in Old Town Plaza

We have no information about the history of this interesting looking and apparently old building at 201 Romero Street, pictured in 1993. According to internet directories, at the time of writing Silver & Leather King was still trading from the building.

San Felipe de Neri Church

Albuquerque’s oldest church can be found on the Old Town Plaza. Built in 1793 this church replaced a Mission Church dating back to the foundation of the city in 1706. The Mission Church collapsed in 1792 during a spell of unusually wet weather. The current church is open to visitors and has an adjacent museum, but it is also still in active use as a place of worship. Click Tab 2 to see the interior of the church.

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© Mike  Elsden 1981 - 2025

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