Taos Plaza's history dates back to 1796 when the King of Spain granted land to 63 families, making it the area's main settlement after Taos Pueblo. The plaza was designed as a fortified village, with homes in large quadrangles and a central gate. It served as a refuge for livestock and a hub for trade fairs. While many buildings were lost to fire, those around the plaza today largely date from the 1930s. Now the heart of the Taos Historic District, the plaza hosts live music, farmers markets, and is a popular spot for shopping and galleries.

La Hacienda de los Martinez, built in 1804, is a rare example of a northern New Mexico-style "Great House" from the Spanish Colonial period. Once a trade center, it features massive adobe walls and was home to Severino Martinez, his wife Maria, and their six children, including the notable Padre Antonio Martinez. Padre Antonio was a key social reformer, founding New Mexico's first coeducational school and introducing the first printing press to Taos. Today, the Hacienda offers a glimpse into 1800s frontier life with 21 rooms around two courtyards and traditional arts and crafts demonstrations.

Visit Taos Art Museum to see stunning exhibitions in the exquisite home and studio that renowned artist Nicolai Fechin designed and built by hand. In 1923, Russian-American artist Nicolai Fechin and his family emigrated to the U.S. and later moved to Taos in 1926 at the invitation of Mabel Dodge Luhan. In 1927, they purchased the home of Dr. J.J. Bergmans. However, the two-story adobe house didn’t meet their needs, so they decided to remodel. Over the next five years, Nicolai, with the help of masons from Taos Pueblo, transformed the house into their ideal home using a cardboard model to guide the process.

Visit New Mexico's most photographed church built in traditional Spanish Colonial style in the 1700s.