Located downtown across from the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the Palace of the Governors is always a place we add to our list of places to visit when in the Santa Fe area.
A Little about the Palace of the Governors
The Palace of the Governors has a rich history. There is a plaque on the wall stating the building stood there before 1680 and that it was wrecked during the great Indian Uprising. It appears the Palace was constructed in 1610, making it one of the oldest continuously occupied buildings in the United States. It was originally the seat of the Spanish colonial government and has transitioned through different periods, from Mexican rule to being an American territorial governance.
The architecture of the Palace has a distinctive Pueblo Revival style, paying homage to the Native American and Spanish influences of the Santa Fe area. It has earthly tones, adobe walls and wooden beams reflecting the elegance of Spanish Colonial design.
We love that there is a program where Native Americans can display their crafts, allowing visitors to purchase authentic handmade items traditional to their culture. Oftentimes, you might see them making some of the items they are selling.
The Governors Palace does have a history museum, something we did not realize. We had tried the door by where the Native Americans display their items for sale and had not realized there was an entrance on the side of the building. I am sure we will include the museum during one of our future visits.
The Palace of the Governors has become one of those places that we visit every time we are in Santa Fe, as we love to look at (and purchase) the handmade items the Native Americans have available. We hope you will visit the Palace and that you will enjoy it as much as we do.
