It's a bit of an understatement to say that history can be found while walking the streets of Old Town Albuquerque. The plaza is filled with historic buildings but few have survived the years since the city's earliest days.
One that has: San Felipe de Neri Church.
A centuries-old example of the Spanish colonial architecture that once dominated the region, it is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The building was constructed in 1793, though the parish and its original structure date to Albuquerque's founding in 1706.
The exterior features adobe walls characteristic of Spanish architecture in the southwest, along with a few ornate additions from the Victorian period.
Step inside and you'll see the church's history come to life.
Heavy wooden doors frame the entrance, leading visitors inside a church that looks not much different from its 1793 construction.
The church follows a simple cross-shaped floor plan, without side aisles or the grand ornamentation you may find in a Californian or Mexican church of the era.
The aisle exposes a modest brick floor, the walls are painted bright white, and embellishments and art are minimal yet elegant.
Outside, the church grounds are just as peaceful and even hide a hand-carved image of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
The book "Secret Albuquerque" reveals this was carved and painted into an old cottonwood tree in 1958 by parishioner Toby Avila following his return from the Korean War. In 2011, a winter storm snapped the tree but the carving remained undamaged.
Have you had a chance to visit this historic church?
San Felipe de Neri Church is located on the northern side of Albuquerque's Old Town Plaza, at Romero and Plaza streets.
For details about visiting the church, museum, or gift shop, review current hours on the church's website or Facebook page.
Website: San Felipe de Neri Church
Facebook: San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church
Address: 2005 North Plaza Street Northwest, Albuquerque, NM 87104
Phone: 505-243-4628
Looking for more historic buildings in New Mexico from the Spanish Colonial period? Missions from the 17th century are still standing today—though some in ruins. Read about a few of these buildings that have managed to continue standing in Centuries Later, The Ruins Of These Old Spanish Missions Are Still A Sight To See.
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