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Santa Fe, New Mexico, is very different from what one might expect of a capital. The city, full of Adobe houses, is small and not pretentious. Busy, twisted streets with tiny boutiques and ristras hanging on every corner bring the old days’ charm back. My trip there was a short getaway thing. I didn’t really have a plan for where to go, so stumbling upon these historical landmarks made wandering around more fun. Here’s what to explore when you are in downtown Santa Fe:
San Miguel Chapel – the oldest known church in the U.S. Critically damaged and restored several times, the San Miguel Chapel is truly a treasure. The earliest documentation of it dates back to 1628, but many believe that Tlaxcalan Indians built the original chapel even earlier. Over the past 400 years, the church has undergone numerous changes. However, some parts of its structure, like adobe walls and sanctuary steps, can still be viewed today. Find out more about this remarkable piece of Santa Fe architecture here.
La Casa Vieja de Analco – the oldest house in the U.S. La Casa Vieja de Analco is located just across the street from San Miguel Chapel. Both buildings are a part of the Barrio de Analco Historic District, where working-class residents used to live. Back in 1200 AD the area was an Indian Pueblo until the tribe moved on farther south. It stayed abandoned for more than 160 years before Spanish settlers arrived. La Casa Vieja de Analco highlights the integration of native and European cultures in the New World. Follow the links to see how it looks inside and outside.
Fort Marcy Ruins – the first U.S. Army Post established in the Southwest and an easy, rewarding hike. During the Mexican-American War in 1846, Fort Marcy served Americans as a defensive site for retaining their control over seized Santa Fe. It was the only point that offered a good view of the city center and major crossroads. Though later on Fort Marcy got destroyed, the hilltop became a scenic overlook. There you can enjoy Santa Fe from above, see wayside exhibits and do beautiful landscape photography at dusk. Plan your visit here.
New Mexico State Capitol – the only round state capitol in the U.S. The Capitol was made with New Mexico’s vibrant spirit in mind. Its architectural style, a blend of Native American, European and Hispanic cultures, stands out beyond government facilities. From a bird’s eye view, the building looks like an ancient Zia sun symbol, which is also a part of the state’s flag, representing the Circle of Life. In addition to a unique design, the Capitol offers free access to an extensive art collection that features around 600 New Mexico artists. Check their work here.
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