Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The multi-story adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over a 1,000 years.

Step back in time... ancient ruins in the Taos Valley indicate Taos Indians lived here nearly 1000 years ago. The main part of the present buildings were most likely constructed between 1000 and 1450 A.D. The appeared much as they do today when the first Spanish explorers arrived in Northern New Mexico in 1540 and believed that the Pueblo was one of the fabled golden cities of Cibola. The two structures called Hlauuma (north house) and Hlaukwima (south house) are said to be of similar age. They are considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the USA.

The Pueblo is made entirely of adobe -- earth mixed with water and straw, then either poured into forms or made into sun-dried bricks. The walls are frequently several feet thick. The roofs of each of the five stories are supported by vigas -- large timbers hauled down from the mountain forests. Pine or aspen latillas are placed side-by-side on top of the vigas; the whole roof is covered with packed dirt. The outside surfaces of the Pueblo are continuously maintained by replastering with thick layers of mud. Interior walls are carefully coated with thin washes of white earth to keep them clean and bright. The Pueblo is actually many individual homes, built side-by-side and in layers, with common walls but no connecting doorways. In earlier days there were no doors or windows and entry was gained only from the top.

Approximately 150 people live within the Pueblo full time. No electricity or running water is allowed within the Pueblo walls. The majority of members live in conventional homes outside the village walls, but occupy their Pueblo houses during ceremonials.

While at Taos Pueblo, visit San Geronimo Chapel, built in 1850 to replace the original church which was destroyed in the War with Mexico in 1847. That church, the ruins still evident on the west side of the village, was first built in 1619. St. Jerome (San Geronimo) is the patron saint of Taos Pueblo.

Shop for micaceous-flecked pottery and silver jewelry made by local artisans and sold at many of the individually owned curio shops within the Pueblo. The Taos Indians, being great hunters, are also famous for their work with animal skins - moccasins, boots and drums. There are a growing number of contemporary Pueblo fine artists, combining Indian tradition with modern artistic expression.

The Pueblo is generally open to visitors daily from 8am to 4:30pm, except when tribal rituals require closing the Pueblo. Late winter to early Spring the Pueblo closes for about ten weeks. Please call ahead if you'll be visiting during this time, 758-1028.

When at Taos Pueblo, please abide by the following rules:

• Pay the appropriate fee for each camera you carry into the Pueblo area.
• Respect the "restricted area" signs as they protect the privacy of our residents and the sites of our native religious practices.
• Do not enter doors that are not clearly marked as curio shops. Each home is privately owned and occupied by a family and is not a museum display to be inspected with curiosity.
• Please do not photograph members of our tribe without first asking permission.
• Absolutely no photography in San Geronimo Chapel.
• Do not enter the walls surrounding the ruins of the old church and our cemetery.
• Do not wade in our river -- our sole source of drinking water.

For more information, call 505-758-1028, or visit www.taospueblo.com and www.taospueblopowwow.com.

Thank you for respecting our rules and may your visit to Taos Pueblo be a rewarding adventure.

Website: taospueblo.com