12 surprising facts you probably didn’t know about Santa Fe

When you enter Santa Fe, you will feel like you have been transported to another country or time. The city that was once the northernmost outlet of the Spanish Empire in America is simply unlike anywhere else. Located about an hour's drive north of (the much larger) Albuquerque, Santa Fe is undoubtedly one of the most interesting cities in the United States. In fact, over the years the city has earned the nickname "The City Different" as it has always marched to its own rhythm. Home to a diverse history and a culture rich in healthy living, organic foods and urban sensibilities, it's no surprise that there's much to learn in Santa Fe. To get the ball rolling, we've put together this list of fun facts about Santa Fe.

Santa Fe is the oldest state capitol in the United States

Santa Fe was founded in 1607 by the third Spanish governor of New Mexico, Don Pedro de Peralta, and became the territory's capital just three years later in 1610. The city is both the country's oldest capital and the oldest European settlement west of New Mexico Mississippi.

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It is also the highest capital city in the country

Not only in Santa Fe, the oldest capital of the United States, it is also the highest at 7,000 feet above sea level.

It's the perfect place for sun worshipers!

If you're always looking for sun and warm weather, you'll love this fact about Santa Fe... The city gets about 310 days of sun a year! It also ensures a pleasant climate all year round.

…But the landscape looks more like a ski resort than a desert

Although sunny most of the year, Santa Fe residents and visitors experience all four seasons. Contrary to popular belief, the city is not a high desert, but a semi-arid steppe. This is great if you're planning multiple trips and looking for different things to do in Santa Fe each time. A Mecca for outdoor lovers, depending on the season, visitors can bike, hike, camp, climb, ski and more! An interesting fact about Santa Fe is that Ski Santa Fe averages about 225 inches of snow a year!

Embrace the Santa Fe countryside when you travel with Trafalgar on the Santa Fe Explorer End Santa Fe tour.

The city hosts the third largest art market in the country

One of the best things to do in Santa Fe, which might surprise you, is art hunting. Santa Fe is home to the third largest art market in the United States after New York and Los Angeles.

Santa Fe was the country's first UNESCO Creative City

It cannot be denied; Santa Fe is a city of talent! Named a Creative City by UNESCO in 2005, one in ten jobs in the city is related to art. Not surprisingly, the city has been home to many famous writers and artists over the years, including Georgia O'Keefe and George RR Martin to name a few.

Discover the best of Santa Fe's cultural and mystical center when you travel with Trafalgar on the Santa Fe Explorer End Albuquerque tour.

Eating is an art

Whether you're enjoying a meal at a local diner or looking for traditional New Mexico cuisine, one thing's for sure, it's that you'll be in for a treat! The single main ingredient found in every traditional meal is chili. If you're unsure whether to go for green or red chilies, we recommend asking for "Christmas" - a combination of both!

The city hosts a Margarita Trail

What drink goes better with your spicy food than a chilled margarita?! The Santa Fe Margarita Trail includes 45 different margaritas, each made by a local company specifically for the trail. Salvation!

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The oldest church in America is in Santa Fe

We weren't kidding when we said Santa Fe has a rich history! The city is also home to the oldest church in the country; the San Miguel Chapel. It is a Spanish colonial mission church built in the early 17th century. It was damaged in the Pueblo Revolt in 1680 but has since been revived.

America's oldest government building is in Santa Fe

Now a museum, the Palace of Governors is the oldest landmark/seat of government in the United States. It was built by Pedro de Peralta in 1610 and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960.

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Santa Fe has a rich Native American heritage

A significant part of the city's cultural heritage is associated with the 23 Native American tribes, nations, and pueblos that inhabit New Mexico. Each tribe has its own sovereign nation, so rules, languages ​​and culture change depending on which tribe you visit.

The full name of the city is a real tongue twister!

An interesting fact about Santa Fe…. Its full name is La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asis – the Royal City of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Did any of these facts surprise you? Or did one of these fun facts about Santa Fe intrigue you enough to plan a vacation? Let us know in the comments below! Or visit our website to learn more about how to search 'The Other City" with Trafalgar.

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