When you can spend your day walking through charming historic churches and buildings in Santa Fe, NM. The Loretto Chapel is best known for its choir loft staircase built in 1873 and called miraculous because of its two complete spirals without center or side supports, defying engineering logic. When the stairs were first built they did not have hand rails, but they were later added for safety. This staircase was featured on the show “Unsolved Mysteries.” The story of how these stairs were built and the builder is very interesting, you should look it up!

The San Miguel Mission, built in 1610, is the oldest church structure in the U.S.A. The original adobe walls and altar were built by Tlaxcalan Indians from Mexico under the direction of Franciscan Padres. At the alter there were windows in the floor making part of the original church visible. The large bell housed in the church has the most pitch perfect ring. There is controversy as to the age of the bell and its origin.

Carole is ringing the bell!

The Oldest House still in use in the U.S.A. is believed to have been built in 1646. It is now used as a store and museum. The Oldest House is across DeVargas Street from San Miguel Mission. Duffey is knocking on the Oldest Door!

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is the home of a piece of the Holy Cross discovered in 325 AD by the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great. The wood from the Holy Cross is mounted on a metal cross for display purposes. The only part of the original church still existing is the small adobe chapel dedicated to Our Lady La Conquistador brought from Spain in 1625, the statue is the oldest representation of the Virgin Mary in the U.S.A.  

Historic Canyon Road is Santa Fe’s most famous street.  This is a winding, shaded road of beautifully preserved and restored adobe and Territorial-style homes and an art lover’s mecca.. These homes house word-class art galleries showcasing paintings, sculpture, Native American weaving, jewelry and pottery.