SANTA FE
Welcome to Santa Fe, New Mexico, the
United States’ oldest and highest state capital. At a lofty 7,000 feet above sea level, this American legend blends scenic beauty, cultural diversity, and some of the country’s finest arts and musical venues into an amazing travel destination.
Set in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the city draws its magic from a mild continental
climate and four distinct seasons. Santa Fe, which literally means 'Holy Faith' in Spanish, was founded in 1607 by Don Pedro de Peralta,
New Mexico's third governor.
Known as the 'City Different', it certainly holds true to that name. The flamboyant characters, mouth-watering dining experiences and entertaining activities will keep you busy from dusk till dawn. Bike, fish and ski in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains; visit the city's never-ending festivals and shop for unique American Indian arts and crafts.
ADDITIONAL NEW MEXICO CITY PAGES:
- Locals advise against consuming carbonated drinks with their New Mexican food. They believe the carbonation in soda accentuates the heat of the chili peppers, making them twice as hot for twice as long!
- One of the major attractions contributing to Santa Fe’s fame is the large number of American Indian pueblos nearby. Several centers of native folk art and culture surround the city and attract visitors from around the world.
- Santa Fe was once the first capital of Spain's, and then Mexico's territories north of the Rio Grande.
Santa Fe View
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Sunday Morning, Santa Fe
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Be it art, food, history, or nature, the stunning city of Santa Fe is unmatched. In this mountain hideaway the air is so clean and the sky is so clear that you may never want to leave. In fact, many first-time visitors now live here fulltime.
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The Santa Fe Opera
In the early 20th century Santa Fe attracted a number of musical artists, but it was the arrival of Igor Stravinsky and the subsequent founding of the Santa Fe Opera - one of the modern world’s leading opera companies - that had a vital and long-lasting influence on Santa Fe’s cultural heritage.
Situated far from the western opera hubs of San Francisco and Denver, the Santa Fe Opera managed to bring to its stage such strong American musical talents that the venue is now renowned throughout the opera world. Situated on a hilltop north of Santa Fe, it offers must-see spectacular shows, with elaborate settings and fabulous costumes.
- The Loretto Chapel
The Loretto Chapel is the first Gothic structure west of the Mississippi River.
It features the Miraculous Staircase – a 33-step staircase with two complete 360 degrees turns connecting the choir loft and the chapel. The staircase, unlike any other one in the world, has no center support and no one can explain how it can stand up and bear weight year after year. Some people think that St. Joseph himself built the staircase.
- Ski Santa Fe
Ski Santa Fe, with a base area elevation of 10,350 feet, prides itself on being among the highest ski areas in the continental United States.
The views atop Ski Santa Fe are unrivalled, from white beginner slopes to great glades and tree runs. The wonderful range of terrain for both skiing and snowboarding makes Ski Santa Fe great for all winter sports enthusiasts.
