This district was once considered the Mexican-American side of Tucson and has been called Barrio Viejo or Barrio Libre since its inception. The area has preserved its distinctly Mexican roots with flat-roofed, mud-brick houses and roofs made from saguaro ribs and packed dirt, which provides great insulation in the extreme Tucson climate. Some of Tucson's oldest structures can be found here and many of them have been nicely restored, painted in vibrant colors and inviting visitors for a memorable stroll.