With a name translated as ‘holy faith’, Santa Fe claims some of the most faithful fans among tourists spending time in New Mexico. More than a few of its 70,000-plus residents have relocated to this hot-spot from other places in order to submerge themselves in the
art world, take advantage of year-round
outdoors adventure offerings, and enjoy the mystical,
spiritual appeal of New Mexico’s deep well of
Native American heritage.
Some travelers might make the mistake of dismissing Santa Fe as simply a
shoppers’ paradise where visitors
are known to drop outrageous sums of money on artworks, jewelry, and clothing. Just a quick glance at its history, however, tells you that Santa Fe owns riches that transcend such a superficial realm; in fact, the
oldest capital city in the
United States was settled 13 years before the Mayflower Pilgrims landed at their Plymouth colony and remains the oldest European community west of the Mississippi River.
There were a few residents as early as 1607, but Santa Fe was settled in 1609-1610 by the conquistador
Don Pedro de Peralta, who chose the ancient Pueblo Indian ruin of Kaupoge at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to plot the town site.
Throughout the central, oldest part of the city, you will find the early style of architecture, a mix of mud and straw that form
adobes, remains dominant. The intriguing blend of décor amidst homes and businesses still incorporates the
carved images of saints called
santos, as well as
artworks in
tin,
iron,
straw and
silver, representing the Hispanic customs of the region.
At the same time, you will find
pottery,
stonework,
baskets, and
weavings illustrating the significant Native American influences from the
Eight Northern Pueblos that cover the landscape in this part of New Mexico.
At an altitude of
over 2,100m (7,000ft), Santa Fe is a lofty setting in which to experience a culture like no other in America.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related Santa Fe Content
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
Related New Mexico Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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