San Ildefonso Pueblo


Eight miles west of Pojoaque along Hwy 502, this ancient pueblo traces its origins back to Bandelier and Mesa Verde. It’s best known now as the birthplace of Maria Martinez, who, in 1919, along with her husband, Julian, revived a distinctive traditional black-on-black pottery style. Her work is now world famous and is considered by collectors among the finest pottery ever produced.

Several exceptional potters work in the pueblo, and many different styles are produced, but black-on-black remains San Ildefonso’s hallmark. Don't be surprised by irregular studio hours, and if you are considering purchasing a piece, expect to pay hundreds of dollars at a minimum.

Visitors are welcome to Feast Day (January 23) and corn and feast dances in June and July.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Puyé Cliff Dwellings

3.75 MILES

Several tours explore these ancient ruins, 5 miles west of the Santa Clara Pueblo at the entrance to Santa Clara Canyon. Abandoned around 1500, they’re…

2. Santa Clara Pueblo

5.45 MILES

Santa Clara Pueblo itself, just a mile southwest of Española along Hwy 30, springs to life in summer for the Harvest and Blue Corn Dances on Santa Clara…

3. Poeh Cultural Center & Museum

5.99 MILES

Set up by the Pojoaque Pueblo’s former governor, artist George Rivera, this center features simple but powerful displays on the history and culture of the…

4. Pojoaque Pueblo

5.99 MILES

Although the history of Pojoaque Pueblo predates the Spaniards, a smallpox epidemic in the late 19th century killed most of its inhabitants, and forced…

5. Tsankawi Ruins

6.3 MILES

On the way to the main canyon you'll pass these little-visited ruins, located near the intersection of Hwy 502 and Hwy 4. If you're out for a full day and…

6. Nambé Pueblo

8.61 MILES

Thanks perhaps to its isolated location (or inspirational geology), Nambé Pueblo has long been a spiritual center for the Tewa-speaking tribes, a…

7. Bradbury Science Museum

10.12 MILES

You can't actually visit the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where the first atomic bomb was conceived, but the Bradbury Science Museum has compelling…

8. Los Alamos Historical Museum

10.32 MILES

Several historic sites along Bathtub Row comprise this engaging museum, which spotlights the most notable inhabitants of the mesa. Pay admission and pick…