Anyone who visits New Mexico should plan an excursion to Santa Fe. The state's capital city has two of the oldest structures of European origin within the continental United States: the oldest public building (Palace of the Governors) and oldest church (San Miguel Chapel).
Santa Fe is a pedestrian-friendly city. During our visit, we will arrive at the Santa Fe Depot via Rail Runner. The local and regional bus system provides access to much of the city, as well as other communities and Pueblos in north-central New Mexico.
Santa Fe Depot and Railyard
The Santa Fe Depot and Railyard area includes a number of restaurants, coffee shops, artistic destinations, and parklands. The depot building has tourist information available for visitors.
With Rail Runner's easy bus connections at the Alvarado Transportation Center in downtown Albuquerque, train riders will frequently see passengers with their luggage traveling to and from the Albuquerque International Sunport.
Santa Fe Farmers' Market
Since 1968, the Santa Fe Farmers' Market has offered an outlet for regional farmers and craftspeople to sell produce, baked goods, ristras to hang, and handcrafts to enjoy.
Heading to the Plaza
The Santa Fe Plaza is the heart of the city. Similar to many colonial centers in Latin America, the design of Santa Fe was dictated, in part, by King Phillip II's 1573 ordinance regarding the laying out of new towns. A centrally located plaza was established, with a nearby church and administrative buildings.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Dedicated in 1887, this structure serves as the main church for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Catholic churches have existed in this community since 1610, and this building occupies a prominent location one block east of Santa Fe Plaza.
Indigenous people destroyed the original church built on this location during the Pueblo Revolt of the 1680s. Another church rose on this site during the 1700s. The present structure has dominated the city's skyline since the late 1880s. The cathedral was elevated to basilica status in 2005.
During my visit, the apse and nave were closed due to renovation. The diocese offers services in both English and Spanish at this basilica.
Cathedral Park
Located immediately north of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Cathedral Park is maintained by the City of Santa Fe. Numerous plaques document the city's history.
A City of Museums
Santa Fe hosts a variety of museums, including ones that focus on arts and history. Across the street from Cathedral Park, the Institute of American Indian Arts maintains its Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA).
San Miguel Chapel
Located two blocks south of Loretto Chapel, San Miguel Chapel holds a prominent place in the history of Catholicism and Christianity in the United States. A chapel has existed at this site since 1610, making portions of the existing structure the oldest church and structure of European religious origin within the continental United States (excluding Puerto Rico).
The site of the chapel, a short distance south of the Santa Fe River, held spiritual significance for Indigenous settlements before the presence of the colonists. Spanish expeditions arriving in the area brought along Tlaxcaltec people who had allied with them in New Spain to build this structure in the early 1600s.
Similar to the Palace of the Governors and other Spanish colonial structures, this chapel suffered damage during the Pueblo Rebellion of 1680. General Diego de Vargas had a new roof placed on the chapel in 1694. Substantial reconstruction of the chapel took place in the 1700s and 1800s.
Extensive archaeological work occurred in the 1950s. The chapel no longer holds regular church services, though occasional masses are offered. Preservation efforts are ongoing.
Seat of New Mexican Government
The current New Mexico State Capitol is on the opposite side of Old Santa Fe Trail, one block south of San Miguel Chapel. For hundreds of years, territorial administration of New Mexico under the Spanish, Mexican, and US flags took place at the Palace of the Governors on the north side of Santa Fe Plaza.
Other capitol structures served the government from the 1880s until the mid-1960s, when this building--known by New Mexicans as "the Roundhouse"--opened for service.
Other Cultural Vibes
Future posts will examine additional Santa Fe locations. The city has a vibrant arts culture and thriving community organizations, as well as museums and archives of statewide significance.
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