I got into Santa Fe around 1030. The bus was $1 for an all day pass for "seniors", which equates to 60+!!! Bingo!! The Plaza was pretty quiet. I think everyone was over at the Rail Yard section of town where "American Idol" was hosting an entire day of auditions for it's 15th and final year. I booked a 1100 tour throughout the city and my guide Francisco waited for more patrons until he just said hop in and we were off. Me and my personal, private, Santa Fe native tour guide!!! He said I should just call him Frank, since that is what the nuns at Catholic school called him. OK, Frank.
She may not have looked like much but Frank assured me she had a full tank of gas and the A/C worked!!!
We were off for an 90 minute ride through everything that Santa Fe is famous for. Frank did not take a breath once during the entire trip and had continuous commentary about history, geology, religion, best restaurants, favorite artists and eveyrthing else imaginable. After the drop off back at the Plaza I had a good feel for the layout of the city and where I wanted to go. First stop would be the Mexican Restaurant he suggested for lunch!! Gotta have your priorities straight!! It would be "El Agave" on Burro Alley. Shredded beef Chimichanga, Iced tea and Sopaipilla for desert. Excellent recommendation, Frank!!!
At lunch I was able to formulate a plan for what had to be seen over the next two days. Re-energized after a great meal, I set out to tour the Plaza and the churches on my list.
First up was a walk through the Plaza. This was the first structure built in early 1600's and was surrounded on all four sides by buildings. The El Camino Real and later the Santa Fe and Pecos Trails ended here. The Governors Palace would line one entire side and would serve as center of government and home for the Territorial Governor. The Palace has been in continual use since 1610 and today houses the New Mexico History Museum and provides a long patio on which many Native Americans sell their wares. Beautiful jewelry and artwork were everywhere for sale.
First up was a walk through the Plaza. This was the first structure built in early 1600's and was surrounded on all four sides by buildings. The El Camino Real and later the Santa Fe and Pecos Trails ended here. The Governors Palace would line one entire side and would serve as center of government and home for the Territorial Governor. The Palace has been in continual use since 1610 and today houses the New Mexico History Museum and provides a long patio on which many Native Americans sell their wares. Beautiful jewelry and artwork were everywhere for sale.
Most buildings, definitely those in the "Historic" area are "Adobe" or "Territorial Adobe" in design and construction. I love the look and may consider "mudding" up my house on Sunrise Terrace!!!
It was time to concentrate on the churches and chapels; off to the largest first.
The Cathedral was built by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy between 1869 and 1886. It replaced an older church built on that site in1626. That older adobe church was destroyed during the Pueblo Revolt in 1680. The Diocese of Santa Fe ran out of money and was unable to complete the two towers. It is built in the Romanesque Revival style familiar to the French Archbishop Lamy.
A few blocks away is the famous "Loretto Chapel", home of the "Miraculous Staircase". I talked many blog entries ago about the French "loner" who went by the name "Frenchy" and had a small homestead outside Alamogordo, NM at Black Dog Canyon. He was a French carpenter and it is believed he built the original staircase, minus the railings which were added 100 years later by a German carpenter. The Mother Superior contributed the miracle to Joseph, the father of Jesus. It is truly and amazing architectural achievement. Not a single nail, no center support or attachment to walls. Like a huge wooden spring standing on its own!!!
My final church was San Miguel Mission, with claim to be the oldest church in North America. It was a Spanish colonial mission church built in 1610 and still utilized today. It was damaged during the Pueblo Revolt but repaired in 1710.
I first learned of Archbishop Lamy from my friend, Father Art in Silver City, NM. Father Lamy did much to build the Catholic faith in the new Diocese of Santa Fe. As Santa Fe's first Archbishop in 1850 he was in a constant battle with Spanish Padre's who questioned every decision he made. The American writer, Willa Cather's novel, "Death Comes for the Archbishop", is based on his life and career.
Walking through the many galleries in Santa Fe was most fun. One located across from the Loretto Chapel was quick to remind me I have been gone most of the day and I better catch the bus home to take care on dear Shona. Happy as always to see me, we spend the rest of the night sitting outside and enjoying pure "Shona time". Tomorrow morning it was back on Bus Line 2 for the Saturday Farmers Market!!!