On this guided walking tour guests learn the rich history of the Barrio Viejo Tucson plus historic Scott Avenue! The Barrio Viejo features the largest collection of mud adobe structures found anywhere in the United States! Learn how these Sonoran Row Houses were built with two foot thick walls for our harsh desert climate and we discuss in detail the three styles of Sonoran Row Houses and what brings about each style change!

As we stroll the charming pavements, hear the lively tales of the Barrio Viejo area, the working class area of the city. Hear of corner stores and front room shops. See examples of terrace houses that are beautifully restored with bright coloured exteriors, others in a vintage state and still others in a state of ruin where we can see how the mud adobe construction techniques!

Next we visit the El Ojito Spring that was the water source for Spanish soldiers and their families during the walled Spanish Colonial Presidio days of Tucson. Then we visit the El Tiradito Wishing Shrine and hear the tale of how this shrine came to be, the only shrine in North America dedicated to the memory of a sinner instead of a saint - this is an incredible tale! We finish our tour of the Barrio Viejo by strolling past the historic Teatro Carmen theatre.

On this tour we also stroll down historic Scott Avenue where we see several prominent structures by the famous architect Henry Trost including the Scottish Rite Cathedral. We stroll past what is believed to be the only mud adobe territorial styled building designed as a San Francisco Victorian styled mansion, today a charming Inn. Then we stroll into the courtyard of the historic Spanish Colonial styled Temple of Music & Art and learn of the theater’s twin!

Suggested: This tour involves 2 miles of walking and is 2 hours. Please wear comfortable shoes, bring a bottle of water and wear sun cream.