Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the US, established by the Spanish in 1610. Located on the top of a plateau and surrounded by mountains, the town is a mix of three cultures, Hispanic, Native American and Anglo, all of which seen in the architecture and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere.
Santa Fe is an artists city, one in six residents work in the arts, private galleries are everywhere. Canyon rd is the centre of the art scene, established over 90 years ago it has galleries on either side for over a mile.
Typically colonial, Santa Fe has an abundance of churches, a plaza and compact streets that make the large US cars look like tanks.
In 1912 the city government officially issued a unified building style, a reaction to the cities decline, the city government realised that this could be reversed by the promotion of tourism. All buildings should be based on work done restoring the Place of Governors, earth toned and adobe coloured look to the exterior and no high-rises (a bold move at that time). The unified style had the desired affect, Santa Fe has become one of the most popular destinations in the US, i can see the attraction.
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