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Santa Fe Historical Tour
5.0
295 Ratings
Santa Fe
Discover the rich history of Santa Fe on a unique tour led by a local historian. Explore iconic landmarks, learn about the city’s art scene, and uncover fascinating stories from the past.
Duration:
2 hours, 15 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi - La Conquistadora the oldest Madonna in the United States. The Santa Fe Plaza, Loretto Chapel, the San Miguel Mission church, the oldest in the country. History of Art and Architecture in Santa Fe. An overview of four hundred years of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and American history in Santa Fe, the oldest capitol city in the United States
- 109 East Palace - The military checkpoint for the Manhattan Project during WWII.
- Palace of the Governors - Oldest government building in the U.S. plus the History of New Mexico’s 19 Indian Pueblos.
- New Mexico State Capitol (Roundhouse) - History of the only U.S. government building designed as a Native American symbol.
- Loretto Chapel - Loretto Chapel was built in 1878 by Archbishop Lamy to accompany the Sisters of Light Loretto Academy. The Gothic-Revival chapel was inspired by Saint Chapelle in Paris, which was built by architect Antoine Mouly, who did the restoration of chapel that was patterned for King Louis IX in Paris. Legend has it that the 360-degree staircase built in the chapel between 1877 and 1881 had no visible means of support. Today, it is known as the Miraculous Staircase that St. Joseph the Carpenter had built. The Chapel was closed in 1968 and deconsecrated by the Catholic Church and is now run a privately owned museum.
- Burro Alley - Burro Alley is a small street connecting Palace Avenue and San Francisco Street. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, vendors who sold salt from the Galisteo Salt Basin and firewood from surrounding mountains would tie up their burros there to rest. While the animals recuperated, the vendors would frequent the local saloons and brothels. The gambling hall that was run by MarÃa Gertrudis Barceló, known as Doña Tules, was at the corner near Palace Avenue.
What's Included
- Experienced Tour Guide
Additional Information
A unique historical excursion led by a genuine local and certified historian, Ana Pacheco. The Pacheco family made Santa Fe their home in 1692, and she served as the City Historian of Santa Fe from 2015 through 2017. Pacheco has eight books to her name: Legendary Locals of Santa Fe, The History of Spirituality in Santa Fe, Pueblos of New Mexico, Early New Mexico Death Rituals, Los Comidas Cookbook, Saints & Seasons, Early Santa Fe, J. Paul Taylor: The Man from Mesilla.
The tour encapsulates information about the Santa Fe Opera, Route 66, 109 E. Palace & the Manhattan Project, the History of Pueblos of New Mexico, Loretto Chapel, San Miguel Mission, Canyon Road & Santa Fe as an Art Haven, Sunmount Sanatorium, Santuario de Guadalupe, Masonic Scottish Rite Temple, Spirituality in Santa Fe & Cross of the Martyrs, Japanese Internment Camp, and the History of the Civil War in New Mexico. It also sheds light on the early life of Billy the Kid in Santa Fe.
Location
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Cathedral Place
In front of the Basilica Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(295 Ratings)
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K78kristeenicole
Aug 23, 2024
Great tour of Santa Fe! - Santa Fe Revisited was a great tour! We learned so much diverse history and Ana made it fun and interesting. We definitely recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Franeik
Aug 23, 2024
Well Worth the $ - Animated, informative tour of Santa Fe's history and landmarks by a native whose family traces back to the 1600s there. Lots of walking, which I enjoyed, but may not suit those less inclined to exert themselves for a couple of hours while vacationing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eahabs0825
Aug 23, 2024
Delightful tour full of history! - Ana Pacheco’s tour was such a delight! It was very educational, she has such a great personality, and when able tied the history of Santa Fe back to where people were visiting from. The tour was about 2 hours and went by very fast. She also gave some great restaurant recommendations. Highly recommend booking with her!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sharon_c
Aug 19, 2024
The Spanish history and... - The Spanish history and their contributions, the huge forward thinking catholic bishop Lamy, way ahead of his time. Impressive
Review provided by Viator
Laurie_w
Aug 15, 2024
Wonderful tour- highly recommend! - Ana was wonderful! Learned so much about history of Santa Fe and surrounding areas. Interesting facts about the many cultural influences. Highly recommend Ana and this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Alice_j
Aug 11, 2024
Santa Fe comes alive! - Mary is a well informed, interesting narrator. Even though we have visited Santa Fe several times, she presented many stories about the city’s history that we had never heard before. All accompanied by great photos. Her tour gives you an overview of the historical district and makes you want to know more.
Review provided by Viator
Jannymaggy
Aug 11, 2024
Simply Wonderful - Ana was an excellent guide in every way. She was very knowledgeable and presented the history of her native city in a very interesting way. She covered centuries of history in a way that we could understand, and presented facts clearly. She has authored a number of books on the past of Santa Fe. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rmsanders54
Aug 8, 2024
Fun history-full Santa Fe - Ana was amazingly knowledgeable. She made 2+ hours of Santa Fe history fun and digestible. I learned a ton. Her passion for her native city shines.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mitch
Aug 1, 2024
Fantastic ! - Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. She made the two hour tour fun and was able to answer any questions . Thank you for bringing Santa Fe alive !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T2044kljonathanb
Jul 30, 2024
An extraordinary tour by a professional historian - fascinating and entertaining. - I take history tours wherever I travel, and Ana Pacheco's tour of Santa Fe is the best of the many great ones I've experienced. She's a professional historian, her family in Santa Fe goes back 300 years, and the depth and breadth of her knowledge is extraordinary. She is also an usually gifted communicator -- tremendously energetic, entertaining, funny and quite riveting. Take this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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