It was the middle of Spring when I drove from Santa Fe into Albuquerque for a doctor’s appointment. I didn’t want to be in this particular office or at this appointment. So when I left the building I felt suddenly so free. Time for something fun. It didn’t take long to decide where I wanted to go because I had been thinking about it for some time. After making the wrong turn only once and getting lost only once, too, I was in Old Town Albuquerque.Â
Old Town Albuquerque, which it is called now, was officially designated a village in 1706. Here is the heart of Albuquerque, the center from which the sprawling city grew. At different historical periods Old Town was the home of Mexicans, Spanish, and people of United States. And for an eternity before them it was the home of American Indians. Turbulent beginnings that gave us a beautiful, cared for retreat in the middle of the sprawling, hyper city of Albuquerque.                               Â
San Felipe de Nero Church
 I was lucky the morning I visited to find a parking space directly between the park and the church in front. This is San Felipe de Nero church, built in 1793 ands listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take note that this is the oldest building in the city of Albuquerque. The original San Felipe de Nero that stood here was destroyed by fire. In all that is over 300 years of service. You can visit by entering through the gift shop. Â
So definitely, the center of Old Town is the heart of Albuquerque. Start where I did that morning at San Felipe de Nero Church. Visit the church and then wander the surrounding streets. There are hundreds of shops, restaurants and art galleries that you will get lost in. It doesn’t really matter what corner you turn, what store you’ll find and don’t want to leave. Or what restaurant where you linger over a wonderful meal. Spending a morning or entire day in Old Town Albuquerque is a wonderful way to start your adventures in this lively, colorful Southwest city.
