Santa Fe Historic District

The Santa Fe Historic District is a neighborhood characterized by Spanish-Pueblo and Territorial architecture along narrow streets between Camino Cabra and Griffin Street. Buildings feature adobe walls in earthy tones, wooden portals, and small windows typical of colonial settlement patterns in this region.

The district began as a Spanish colonial settlement in the early 1600s and was subsequently shaped by Mexican and Anglo-American settlers. The mixed architectural styles visible today reflect the different cultures that inhabited the area across successive periods.

The plaza in front of the Governor's Palace serves as a traditional gathering place where local artisans display their work and visitors experience the community's craft traditions firsthand. Here the region's artistic practice unfolds openly, woven into daily street life rather than confined to galleries.

The neighborhood is best explored on foot since most sites are clustered in the center and connected by narrow streets. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended because pathways are uneven and the high altitude of the location can be tiring.

The Governor's Palace, built in 1610, stands among the oldest continuously used government buildings in North America and anchors the heart of the district. Its ongoing use keeps it a living part of history rather than a static museum piece.