Santa Fe is the state capital of New Mexico, and it is a city steeped in rich history and a vibrant culture inspired by several colonial rulers. It was founded in 1610 by Spanish colonists, and thereby Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the United States. It is also the earliest European settlement west of the Mississippi River. The place was established as La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asís, which translates to ‘The Royal Town of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis of Assisi’, but it was eventually shortened to the present name. Santa Fe is in many ways an interesting place, influenced by Spanish, Mexican, and American governance over the years.

Santa Fe’s historical significance is easy to see in its heritage buildings and adobe structures, characterized by their thick, earthen walls and flat roofs. It is a building style, that reflect traditional Pueblo and Spanish Colonial styles. One of the most iconic buildings is the Palace of the Governors. It was built in 1610, and it served as the governmental seat for centuries before it was redeveloped as a museum telling the regional history. Palace of the Governors is not the only structure from early Spanish days. You can also visit the San Miguel Chapel, which is the oldest church in the United States. San Miguel was constructed from adobe, with a single rectangular nave and a trapezoidal apse.

The old part of Santa Fe is within the so-called Santa Fe Historic District along the Santa Fe Plaza between Lincoln and Washington avenues. Santa Fe Plaza is a landmark in itself being the old city square from Spanish colonial times. At the plaza you can see the Palace of the Governors but also the New Mexico Museum of Art. It is also just a short walk in the old and charming district to see the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi and the Loretto Chapel.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is another architectural gem in Santa Fe. Is was constructed between 1869 and 1886 in Romanesque Revival style. The cathedral features beautiful stained glass windows as one of the highlights. You should also visit the Loretto Chapel nearby. It is famous for its helix-shaped spiral staircase, the Miraculous Stair, an architectural marvel that continues to fascinate visitors. The staircase makes two full turns, all without the support of a central pole. The Loretto Chapel was constructed from 1873 and consecrated in 1878.

There are some museums in Santa Fe as well. At the New Mexico History Museum you can explore the history of New Mexico and learn more about the diverse history and cultural evolution of the state. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is another great choice, dedicated to the works of the renowned American modernist artist Georgia O’Keffee. The are more art museums as you can visit the Museum of International Folk Art and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture.

As a state capitol in the United States, there is also a capitol building in the city. It is located south of the historic downtown district, and it is architecturally unique in the country with its round shape. Being the only circular state capital, it is commonly known as the Roundhouse. The building is also one of only eleven state capitols without a dome. It was constructed between 1964 and 1966, and it is therefore one of the newest capitols in the country. The design was inspired by the Zia indigenous nation, and the building resembles the Zia sun symbol when viewed from above.