After visiting Chimayo, we spent the day exploring Santa Fe. Looking at an area map ahead of time, I realized that the attractions in this city were very close together, making for an easy, walkable tour with kids in tow.
We found parking at the Visitor’s Center, and stopped first for lunch at a recommended pizza joint right down the street, called Upper Crust Pizza, which was very good.
San Miguel Chapel
This was a great location to begin our tour. It is directly next to San Miguel Chapel, the oldest Church in the U.S.A. Mass was in session, so we took a quick peak inside.
De Vargas Street House
Directly across the street, is the De Vargas Street House, the oldest house in the US, built around 1650. There are pictures of its crumbled exterior, which was rebuilt many times over the years. We were able to enter a portion of the renovated home, restored as it would have looked in the 1600’s.
Loretto Chapel
Next we walked down the block to the Loretto Chapel, home of the mysterious staircase. It was here that the Sisters of the Chapel prayed to St Joseph to find a solution to their seating problem back in 1878. A mysterious man appeared and built a staircase to the loft with 360 degree turns, no support beam, and constructed entirely of wooden pegs. After completion, the builder completely disappeared, and was never found. Was it St. Joseph himself answering their prayers? It is definitely a sight to not to be missed!
Santa Fe Plaza
We stopped to enjoy Santa Fe Plaza, still the heart of the city after 400 years. Tourists and locals alike gather to enjoy the sights and sounds of the area.
Palace of Governors
We strolled along the sidewalk of the Palace of Governors. Local artisans have their crafts for sale underneath the shade of the building. This building is now a National Registered Landmark. However, it was constructed early in the 17th century for the Spanish government. It is the “oldest continuously occupied public building in the United States,” and currently houses the New Mexico History Museum.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assissi
We got a picture of this Cathedral from the street, which is very beautiful. It is reminiscent of a miniature Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. We decided to call it a day, so we didn’t actually see the interior of the Church.
The really unique experience of visiting Santa Fe is in the architecture and culture. The weather was lovely, but it was the adobe style homes and businesses that were the appeal of Santa Fe for me. Largely Native American, it was a peaceful atmosphere. Nowhere else in this country have I seen big chain restaurants and businesses in adobe style, rather than sporting their signature “look”. McDonalds, Chase, Home Depot, it didn’t matter. They look nothing like what we are used to anywhere else in the U.S.
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