Palace of the Governors

Description:

• The oldest continual in-use building in the United Sates. This National Historic Landmark adobe structure borders the north side of the Santa Fe Plaza and is home to the New Mexico History Museum. This is where visitors can get the best historical overview of Santa Fe and the region. Old documents and photos explain the area's colorful history. The Palace of the Governors can be likened to Washington D.C.; however, this was Spain's government seat and is the place where, in the early 1600's, Spain ruled the region that is now the American Southwest. Revolving exhibitions at the Palace of the Governors give visitors lively presentations of historical events, ideas, and themes in New Mexico's past, interpreting objects from the archives that reflect the Spanish colonial, Mexican, and U.S. Territorial control all the way to New Mexico's statehood in 1912. One of the busiest places in town, extending the length of the block long Palace of the Governors, is the daily Indian street market where one hundred or so New Mexican Pueblo, Navajo and Apache artisans sell their handmade jewelry, pottery and crafts. It is regulated and items for sale are guaranteed to be authentic, high quality and fairly priced.
• © NileGuide2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010