Landmarks in Santa Fe
In a city as historic as Santa Fe, you could argue that all of it is a landmark. But there are definitely specific places that you have to visit, touch, photograph and contemplate to truly say you've been to the City Different.
Topping our list is the Loretto Chapel, and specifically, the Miraculous Staircase inside. It's so cool it's been depicted in made-for-TV movies ("The Staircase") and "Unsolved Mysteries." At the least it's a historic engineering marvel, a perfectly balanced spring of a staircase; at most, a miracle to some. The attached Inn at Loretto isn't old, but its distinctive architecture mirroring Taos Pueblo makes it a well-photographed landmark in its own right. St. Francis Cathedral is a gothic anchor and the heart of Santa Fe's spirituality.
San Miguel Mission has the honor of being the oldest still-in-use mission in the United States; the New Mexico Museum of Art is distinctive for its pueblo mission-style architecture, let alone the historic artistic treasures found within. The Palace of the Governors is the oldest government building in the U.S.; don't miss shopping direct from the Native American artists who sell under the portal daily.
El Rancho de las Golondrinas is a drive south of town, but the historic buildings at this living-history museum are well-worth the excursion. The Cross of the Martyrs can be seen from vantage points near the Plaza, but the hike up to it affords sweeping views of Santa Fe and the surrounding mountains.
Topping our list is the Loretto Chapel, and specifically, the Miraculous Staircase inside. It's so cool it's been depicted in made-for-TV movies ("The Staircase") and "Unsolved Mysteries." At the least it's a historic engineering marvel, a perfectly balanced spring of a staircase; at most, a miracle to some. The attached Inn at Loretto isn't old, but its distinctive architecture mirroring Taos Pueblo makes it a well-photographed landmark in its own right. St. Francis Cathedral is a gothic anchor and the heart of Santa Fe's spirituality.
San Miguel Mission has the honor of being the oldest still-in-use mission in the United States; the New Mexico Museum of Art is distinctive for its pueblo mission-style architecture, let alone the historic artistic treasures found within. The Palace of the Governors is the oldest government building in the U.S.; don't miss shopping direct from the Native American artists who sell under the portal daily.
El Rancho de las Golondrinas is a drive south of town, but the historic buildings at this living-history museum are well-worth the excursion. The Cross of the Martyrs can be seen from vantage points near the Plaza, but the hike up to it affords sweeping views of Santa Fe and the surrounding mountains.
Santa Fe Plaza
100 Old Santa Fe Trail
At the corner of San Francisco St. and Lincoln Ave
Historic Downtown Area...
Lensic Theater
211 West San Francisco Street
The nonprofit Lensic Performing Arts Center enriches lives by bringing diverse art and people together in the historic Lensic Theater, a cornerstone of downtown Santa Fe since 1931. The Lensic presents and supports local and national artists and serves as a center for education, community and youth events through its accessible and affordable programming...
Cross of the Martyrs
600 Paseo de Peralta
A brief climb to a cross overlooking the city, site of religious gatherings, especially during Fiestas de Santa Fe...
