Santa Fe, State capital in New Mexico, United States
The capital of New Mexico sits at 2194 meters elevation at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and is defined by its adobe mud-brick construction throughout the downtown area. Streets in the historic center are narrow and follow an irregular layout that groups around the central plaza.
The city was founded in 1610 by Spanish governor Pedro de Peralta, making it the oldest state capital in the United States. After Mexican independence it changed hands several times before becoming the capital of the new state of New Mexico in 1912.
Beneath the arcade of the Governors Palace, artists from nearby pueblos sell their work directly to visitors each day, including silver jewelry and handwoven textiles. The sale takes place seated on the ground, as has been customary for generations, offering a chance to speak with the makers themselves.
The downtown area around the plaza is easy to explore on foot, as museums, galleries and restaurants sit close together. The elevation is noticeable when walking, so it helps to start slowly and drink plenty of water.
Inside the Loretto Chapel stands a wooden spiral staircase built without a central support or nails, its 33 steps connected only by wooden pegs. No one knows for certain who built the staircase or how it remains standing without a central support.
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Santa Fe contains a concentrated collection of historic sites and cultural institutions that reflect the layered history of New Mexico. The city combines Spanish colonial architecture, Native American heritage, and contemporary art across its museums, galleries, and religious buildings. The New...
Loretto Chapel
3.3 km
Meow Wolf
3 km
San Miguel Mission
3.2 km
Palace of the Governors
3.5 km
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
3.5 km
New Mexico State Capitol
3 km
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
3.4 km
Santa Fe Plaza
3.5 km
New Mexico Governor's Mansion
5.2 km
De Vargas Street House
3.2 km
Soldiers' Monument
3.4 km
New Mexico Museum of Art
3.5 km
Museum of International Folk Art
3.6 km
Museum of Indian Arts and Culture
3.8 km
Fort Marcy
4 km
Paolo Soleri Amphitheater
649 m
Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian
3.6 km
Santa Fe Historic District
3.6 km
Santuario de Guadalupe
3 km
Scottish Rite Temple
3.9 km
Upaya Institute and Zen Center
5.6 km
Don Diego de Vargas Zapata Luján Ponce de León, El Marques de la Nava de Barcinas
3.7 km
New Mexico History Museum
3.4 km
Dale Ball Trails
6.9 km
National Park Service Southwest Regional Office
4 km
Santa Fe Farmers Market
2.3 km
Barrio De Analco Historic District
3.3 km
Acequia Madre House
3.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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