Albuquerque was founded as a Spanish colony all the way back in 1706. Since the city is over 300 years old, it has had plenty of time to accumulate many historic landmarks. Visit a few of these landmarks to learn about the history of Albuquerque. 
- Petroglyph National Monument
Petroglyph National Monument is one of the oldest historical sites in Albuquerque. It is one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, with carvings dating back as far as 700 years ago. The monument features symbols and designs that were carved on many volcanic rocks by both the Spanish settlers and the Native Americans that originally lived there.
The monument contains four different hiking trails that let you explore different sections of the park. There is a 1.5-mile loop where you can view 300 petroglyphs in Piedras Marcadas Canyon, a 2.2-mile hike with 300 petroglyphs in Rinconada Canyon, and a short trail with 100 petroglyphs in Boca Negra Canyon. The monument is open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily.
- San Felipe de Neri Parish
The San Felipe de Neri Parish was constructed in 1793 and is one of the oldest churches in the city. The original church was built in 1706 and named in honor of King Philip of Spain. Unfortunately, the church collapsed due to heavy storms in 1792, causing the current church to be built. Just about all of the church is still the original structure from 1793, except for the tin ceiling, brick floor, and south entrance.
If you are interested in visiting the church for mass, you can join on Saturday at 4 and 6 p.m., on Sunday at 7, 9, and 11 a.m., or on Monday through Friday, excluding Thursday, at 7 a.m.
- Jemez State Monument
The Jemez State Monument is a historical site where you can visit the stone ruins of an Indian village named Giusewa that are over 500 years old. The monument is also home to the church named San Jose de los Jemez that dates back to 1621. You can journey through the ruins on a 1,400-foot long interpretive trail that will tell you the history of the area. The area also contains a heritage center where you can learn even more about the history of the people of Giusewa.
The monument is open 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday and costs $5 to enter.
- Trinity Site
On July 16, 1945, the first atomic bomb was detonated at the Trinity Site, forever changing the history of the world. There isn’t too much to see at the site besides the commemorative obelisk, footings of the shot tower, and a couple artifacts, but it is a unique place. The site is also unique in its visiting times. You can only visit the site on the first Saturday in April and October from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Make sure you bring a government ID since it is an active military installation.
While there are numerous historical sites in Albuquerque, these are a few of the oldest and most unique ones. You can travel through 700 years of history in an afternoon in this city.
Image via Flickr by Ron Cogswell used under CC BY
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