Oldest Places in Santa Fe

Out for a walk along the Old Santa Fe trail. It takes me away from the central plaza toward a couple very old buildings. The first we come to is San Miguel Archángel, a Catholic church built in 1610.

It is often referred to as the oldest church in America (excluding Puerto Rico). Unfortunately, it has been rebuilt several times and it is unlikely that any of the original construction remains.

New Mexico is doing an outstanding job of dealing with covid and hence, the building is closed to visitors. All you get so see are outside things.

Even though it says "Schlage" on the lock, tells us that this is pretty recent on the scale of 1610 until now, it is still an interestingly made back plate that matches the style of the door quite well. I like how the handle is worn smooth and shiny from use.

Across the De Vargas street from San Miguel is the Oldest House. When I first visited here in the mid-80's it was billed as the oldest house in America. I'm not at all sure that this is really correct. However, it is almost certainly the oldest house in Santa Fe. It too dates from the 1610 era (the exact date of construction is unknown). Pretty basic on the outside.

Except for the modern lights and the items displayed to show what might have been here 400 years ago, it is pretty basic on the inside.

I'm quite sure that in spite of the display showing Brie cheese, there was none of that here in the 1600's. Small and poorly lit seems to be what all house of the non-wealthy were in that time period and this house sure fits that description.