Here are Five Gorgeous Buildings to Visit in El Paso

El Paso is in the west corner of Texas near Mexico and New Mexico. Many people think of it as just a pit stop on the way to more interesting locations, but the city is full of fascinating buildings and other sights that residents and travelers shouldn’t miss. Billy the Kid lived here, and it’s a favorite for filmmakers. Many popular movies, including Last Man Standing and Courage Under Fire, had some of their scenes filmed in the city. Here are some of the gorgeous buildings you should make sure to see in El Paso.

The Trio of Churches on the Mission Trail

The Mission Trail is one of the oldest roads in North America, and three historic churches sit along it. In 2000, it became a National Historic Trail. The Ysleta Mission has been around since 1660, and people have rebuilt it several times. It has a beautiful bell tower with a silver, domed roof, and it’s surrounded by picturesque scenery. The Socorro Mission is almost as old. It was restored in 2005. Its open-air bell tower has an angular look, and Native American tribes in the area influenced the design.

The San Elizario Chapel was built in 1684 and rebuilt in 1882 after a flood. It also has a large, open bell tower. All these historic adobe churches look like they should be part of a Western movie, and visitors are welcome.

The Plaza Hotel

This imposing Art Deco skyscraper is a familiar downtown El Paso landmark, and it was the tallest building in El Paso until 1971. Conrad Hilton built it in 1929, and it’s on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The building was Hilton’s second skyscraper. It became the Plaza when he sold it in 1963. Elizabeth Taylor lived in the penthouse after she married Nicky Hilton, Conrad Hilton’s son. Renovations should be complete in 2018, and the 19-story building will include three floors of luxury apartments.

The Plaza Theatre

This building was constructed in 1929 as well, but it’s not related to the Plaza Hotel. Its Spanish Colonial style is similar to the churches on the Mission Trail, but the interior’s ornate look is a great example of Gilded Age decor.

The huge Mighty Wurlitzer organ accompanied vaudeville shows. The ceiling still looks like a starry sky. It was the first theatre with air conditioning in the United States, and it was restored in 2001. It has a children’s theatre, a rooftop garden, meeting facilities, and a restaurant. Many people call it The Showplace of the Southwest. It’s still a favorite spot for theatre and movie fans. The free El Paso Museum of Art, with a large collection of Southwestern and local artwork, is right next door.

For more information about these beautiful historic buildings and other parts of the city’s history, visit the El Paso Museum of History. It’s open every day except Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is usually free. El Paso’s unique architecture and scenic roads make it an ideal place for a leisurely drive or a longer visit to these gorgeous landmarks.

Image via Pixabay.com

Posted in Around Town | No Comments »