Santa Fe, New Mexico

Roger and I arrived at Santa Fe's Historic District on July 10th. We went to the visitor's center for information about the sights we were most interested in seeing. We were welcomed and given a map of the downtown area, AND lucky for us, the legislature wasn't in session, so we could park right where we were and walk to the historic district.

We spent most of our time on East De Vargas Street, Alameda Street, and the Old Santa Fe Trail. We barely put a dent in everything to see; however, we did see exactly what we wanted to see. We started with the Chapel of San Miguel (San Miguel Mission).

The Chapel of San Miguel (San Miguel Mission)

This Spanish Colonial mission church is considered the country's oldest church. Built by Tlaxcala Indians between 1610 and 1628 as part of the Barrio de Analca district. It was damaged by fire during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 and partially rebuilt in 1710 following the Spanish reconquest of Santa Fe. In 1881 the Christian Brothers of the Catholic Church purchased the Chapel, which they continue to operate and maintain.

For more history about this Chapel, visit SMC history PDF MG:LAF 11:22 copy (sanmiguelchapelsantafe.org)

The Oldest House (215 East De Vargas Street)

The De Vargas Street House was built in 1646. Visitors may enter the house through the gift shop built in the 1800s. The adobe walls are well maintained, and a few replicas and artifacts are arranged around the room, giving an idea of what it might have looked like hundreds of years ago.

The Loretto Chapel

The historic Loretto Chapel was built in 1873. It is most well known for its "miraculous staircase." Neither the identity of its creator nor the type of wood used to construct it is known. Most bewildering is the way the staircase was built: it has two 360-degree turns and no visible means of support.

Legend has it that the Sisters of the Chapel made a novena to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, to help find a solution to accessing their choir loft, located 22 feet above the main floor. On the ninth and final day of prayer, a man appeared at the Chapel with only a donkey and a toolbox. He was looking for work. Months later, the staircase was completed, and the carpenter disappeared without pay or thanks.

After visiting these historic sights, we took a break for lunch. We both agreed that this was one of the best pizzas ever! We ended our day sightseeing around the downtown plaza and taking a tour of the unique capitol building before returning to our hotel.

New Mexico's Capitol Building

I couldn't get a picture of the front of the capitol building because of the beautiful trees lining the entrance. I found this picture from Santa Fe Tourism to share with you.

We enjoyed our day in the Santa Fe area and were happy to see all we did. Our next stop... Abiquiu, New Mexico!