Santa Fe
Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico in the U.S. Located just 112 km from the picturesque town of Taos, Santa Fe is located 2132 meters above sea level, making it the highest situated capital of a U.S. state, that is a fact, out of all 50 US Capitals. The population of the district center is about 70 000 people, it oes not rank among the most densely populated capitals in the United States, but in contrast, it has lots of charm.
The city ranks among the top places in the ranking of most visited tourist destinations in the world. The city has a long history, especially beautiful architecture, great places to visit, good food and tremendous cultural diversity embodied in the intensive musical and artistic life.
Santa Fe once in the past was a key city in the territory of Spain. Then it is the possession of Mexico, north of the Rio Grande. The history of the area extends much further back in time before the arrival of the Spaniards, when the settlements were of the Pueblo people. They had long been abandoned when, in 1607, the Spanish colonizers arrived here. Santa Fe had the status of capital when the territory of New Mexico was gained in1912.
Today the city is mostly a cultural and musical center. Thousands of artists arrive here every year. It is extremely interesting to visit the city during the annual Fall Fiesta, which is dedicated to the gaining of New Mexico by Don Diego de Vargas. During the holiday a number of local customs run. The most spectacular of these is the culmination. A 15-meter effigy of Zozobra, which the townspeople called frowning old man is ignited.
Among the attractions here are the museums: the Museum of Santa Fe, Museum of International Folk Art, Museum of Fine Arts and several museums devoted to Indian culture and anthropology. Another beautiful sight in the city is the Loretto chapel. Built in 1872 by French architect sketches, the chapel is decorated in typical Gothic style with towers and colorful stained glass.
The weather in Santa Fe is sunny and pleasant almost all year round, but the summer heat is often unbearable.
