New Mexico’s largest city is rich in
history and blessed with nature’s bounty, from
majestic mountains to
vast desert plains. At more than 1,525m (5,000ft), Albuquerque’s elevation makes it one of the
highest metropolitan areas in the United States.
Take a tram ride to the top of the
Sandia Mountains and look out over 15,000 sq miles of spectacular landscape. With 310 days of
sunshine a year, Albuquerque’s light does wonders with nature’s palette and creates a land of enchantment.
Founded in 1706 by 18 families
searching for better lives, Albuquerque is located on the banks of the
Rio Grande (which means ‘great river’), and the city was named in honor of a Spanish duke. It is still known as the Duke City. The early
Spanish settlers were religious people and the first building erected was a small adobe chapel. The church is still the hub of
Old Town, the historic and sentimental heart of Albuquerque.
Albuquerque became an important stop on the
Camino Real (the trail from Chihuahua to Santa Fe) and was close to the
Santa Fe Trail, the Southwest’s first superhighway during the westward expansion. Historic
Route 66 weaves through Albuquerque, adding its own bright color to a glorious city.
Native American culture also is honored in Albuquerque. Nowhere are so many Indian Pueblos accessible to the public than in the Albuquerque area. Most of the state’s 19 pueblos are within an hour’s drive of Albuquerque.
Called the most
culturally diverse city in America, Albuquerque has people from almost every ethnicity and background. As a result, the city (which is home to the University of New Mexico) is an eclectic array of
restaurants, art
galleries,
museums,
festivals and
attractions.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related Albuquerque Content
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
Related New Mexico Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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