Santa Fe
Around Santa Fe and Albuquerque - New Mexico
Our visits: So far 2 visits in September 2011 and October 2014
New Mexico State Capitol
Description: Since the 12th century, settlements have existed here. First inhabited by Indians, later by Spaniards, Santa Fee is the oldest capital in the USA. New Mexico also has a somewhat unusual State Capitol. It is the only round Capitol in the USA and is therefore also called Roundhouse . It was built like this, in reference to the sun symbol of the Zia, and inaugurated in December 1966. Santa Fe has always been an important craft center along the Santa Fe Trail. Santa Fe is also home to many galleries of painters and artisans. The artistic influence can also be seen at the Capitol in the many sculptures that can be found all around it.
For the GPS: 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Our rating: Strolling through the streets of Santa Fe's old town, you can easily pass by the Capitol. Since it is surrounded by a large park and lacks a dome, it is hardly noticeable. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to visit it from the inside, but with the many sculptures around it, we found it worth seeing from the outside as well.
Georgia O´Keeffe Museum
Description: A foundation is responsible for the construction of the museum. It is intended to preserve the artist's work and contains the world's largest collection of paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe. The paintings and houses in Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch also went to the foundation in 2006 and have been managed by it ever since.
The museum is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, on Friday until 7 pm. The entrance fee is 13$/person.
For the GPS: 217 Johnson St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Our rating: For me, of course, a must see. The museum is a highlight for every Georgia O'Keeffe fan. There are not only many of her paintings on display, but also movies about the artist and some exhibits from her studio.
Old Town Santa Fe
Description: Life in Old Town Santa Fe takes place around the central plaza. Tall trees provide shade, benches invite you to linger and lots of stores invite you to shop. In the streets and alleys around it, many houses are built in adobe style and offer great places to explore. In addition, you can discover the works of many known and unknown artists in countless galleries. Of course, numerous restaurants provide for the culinary well-being of the guests.
Our rating: Even though the Old Town is very touristy, we had a lot of fun strolling around. Admittedly, we also had great weather in October 2011 and there was a lot going on in the city. There were stands, exhibitions and many nice people on the streets. Most of the other parts of the city we found rather typical American, but here in the Old Town you get to see something different. We can highly recommend a visit here.
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
Description: The cathedral was built in 1886 by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy. The Roman Catholic church was built on the foundations of the former adobe church. Due to lack of money, the towers were not completed with the intended spires. In 2005, the cathedral was dedicated as a basilica by Pope Benedict 16.
Für das Navi: 131 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Our rating: A beautiful, for European eyes, rather very plain Catholic church. But that's exactly what we liked about the church. The single works of art are shown off very well and don't get lost in the mass of objects. Anyone traveling in Santa Fe should definitely take a look here.
