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.
- 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.
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- Experienced Tour Guide
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.