Barrio Viejo & Scott Avenue Walking Tour

Service Description

On this tour, guests learn the rich history of the Barrio Viejo, a national historic landmark district, and historic Scott Avenue! The tour begins with a stroll past our stunning St. Augustine Cathedral, as we learn what the cathedral looked like when first built in 1897! Then we head down historic Scott Avenue to see several prominent structures designed by the famous architect of the Southwest, Henry Trost, including the Scottish Rite Cathedral and our Carnegie Free Library, plus a historic hotel! And - We learn the tale of why a griffin is guarding Scott Avenue! Next, we stroll past the charming Blenman Inn that dates to 1878. Then, we see the Temple of Music & Art with its quaint courtyard, and learn of the theaters twin and storied past! From there, we stroll through the Barrio Viejo, historically the working-class neighborhood. The Barrio Viejo features the largest concentration of mud adobe structures found in a single neighborhood anywhere in the United States! We discuss how these structures were built for our harsh desert climate, and learn of the three styles of Sonoran Row Houses, and what brings about each style change. We walk past these bright colored structures with 18 inch thick walls, some beautifully restored, others in a vintage state, and still others in a state of ruin where we can see the exposed mud adobe blocks and construction technique! We stroll through several charming corner parks, and hear the fascinating tales of the residents of the Barrio Viejo! We see where corner stores once stood, and learn of Chinese Grocers as we stroll past new shops and galleries opening in the neighborhood. Plus, we learn that this neighborhood was a melting pot of cultures and full of lively activity! Next, we visit the location of the El Ojito Natural Spring where Spanish Soldiers and their wives would fetch water in the 1700s, and learn of Tucson's first park! Here we will discuss our 4000 years of Native American History, and our days as a part of New Spain! We visit the El Tiradito Wishing Shrine that dates to the 1870s, and learn the tale of Juan Oliveras and his sinful ways...plus we hear how a century later this shrine would help save the neighborhood...ohhh, this is a good tale! We finish by strolling past the Teatro Carmen dating to 1915 as a Spanish language theater, and learn of a Jewish family that ran a corner mercantile. This tour is 2 miles, 2 hours. Suggested: Wear sunscreen, a hat & comfy shoes.