THE PLAZA
This square has been the heart and soul of Santa Fe, as well as its literal center, since its concurrent establishment with the city in 1610. Originally designed as a meeting place, it has been the site of innumerable festivals and other historical, cultural, and social events. Long ago the plaza was a dusty hive of activity as the staging ground and terminus of the Santa Fe Trail. Today, those who congregate around the central monument enjoy the best people-watching in New Mexico. In 2004, they also enjoyed watching an excavation that revealed Native American treasures, with plans for continued work there. The dig came about as a result of construction on a new gazebo/bandstand. Santa Feans understandably feel nostalgic for the days when the plaza, now the hub of the tourist trade, still belonged to locals rather than outside commercial interests.
Welcome to Santa Fe, the City Different. Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the US. It is rich with Spanish and Native American history. Santa Fe is also the second largest art market in the US, and third in the world.
Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice 2007 and 2006 placed Santa Fe in the top four most preferred cities to visit in the world.
Also, Santa Fe is the first American city named to the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities.
Come join us. Santa Fe has History, Culture, Art, Museums, Great Food, Hiking, Skiing, Performing Art, Music, Messages, and much much more....
