The guide was very interesting, telling about L a Conquistadora, the country's oldest Madonna. The wooden statue originally came to Santa Fe in 1625, although the wood is dated to the fourteenth century, or earlier. The costume is changed every Friday. And, there is a crucifix in the Church with actual human hair. It came from Mexico with human hair, and the hair has to be changed once in a while.
In front of the Cathedral is a statue of Archbishop Lamy, who is buried in a crypt below the Cathedral, and whose name has been made famous in Willa Cather's Death Comes to the Archbishop. However, the art piece that impressed me was the figure of Kateri Tekakwitha, who lived from 1656-1680. The piece, created by Estelle Loretto, represents the woman who was the first Indian of North America to be promoted a Saint.
That chapel has the "Miraculous Staircase," a staircase many faithful believe was built by St. Joseph, who appeared as a carpenter. The staircase makes two 360 degree turns, has no central support, and has no nails.
After leaving the Loretto Chapel, I headed down the road to San Miguel Church. But, on the way, I had to take this picture of a sign for Old Route 66.
And, there was an art piece outside a shop that I just couldn't resist photographing.
Somehow, I missed the oldest house in the U.S. Maybe I can pick that up tomorrow morning. But, I did get to San Miguel Mission, the oldest church in the U.S. The adobe church was built in the early 17th century by Tlaxcalan Indians of Mexico.
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| San Miguel Church |
From the churches, I headed back to the streets near the plaza. Burro Alley was fun with the artwork.
I had lunch (really just a lemon souffle) in Sena Plaza at The Shed. I bought chocolate at Kakawa Chocolate House. And, to my collection of four pieces of pottery from Spain, I added three pieces of black pottery made by R. Diane Martinez.
Oh, and I almost forgot. I stopped in at the Santa Fe Public Library. Seven years ago, I applied for a job there. As much as I'm enjoying Santa Fe, I'm glad I'm in Glendale.
And, before going to the Plaza where I bought my pottery, I noticed I was standing on a plaque commemorating a New Mexico governor, probably one of only two names that I would recognize. Lew Wallace was not only governor, he was the author of Ben Hur.
My walking tour ended at 3 p.m. when I was beat. I had dinner at The Blue Corn with four members of Desert Sleuths Chapter of Sisters in Crime, Deborah Ledford, Roni Olson, Chantelle Osman and Kris Neri. Dinner's always special when shared with friends.
But, I'll end the blog with a few pictures of Santa Fe buildings, and of course, the window of the day.
