While walking around the Plaza in downtown, we noticed a few tour groups. We joined the smallest group and went on our way. Highlights were the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, the Loretto Chapel and the oldest house in town.
The photo below shows a the Loretto Chapel's circular staircase which apparently has no support. The nuns looked to hire someone to build a circular staircase that wouldn't take up much room so they could get up to the choir loft. A carpenter built just what they wanted and when they tried to find him to thank him and pay him, he was no where to be found. Legend has it that it was actually St. Joseph who built the stairway.
And here is Joan in front of the chapel next to a fragrant lilac bush.
After the tour ended, we walked over to the State Capitol which was also a 4-story, flat roofed, brown adobe building. It was totally different from other State Capitols with tall domed roofs that we have seen on this trip.
We enjoyed a self-guided tour of the building and even got to the Office of the Governor who was not there. Being a Republican governor, if she had been there we are confident she would have met with us.
Every wall featured some of the most outstanding artwork imaginable. The collection is valued in the millions of dollars, and we were amazed at the lack of security......unlike the other capitols where we met officers on our arrival.
Below is a photo of the Governor's office, followed by a shot of the front of the building.
We came upon a beautiful property -- The Inn and Spa at Loretto -- again, all adobe.
We then visited the Georgia O'Keefe Museum and first watched two films about the artist's life and work. Both were very interesting. The paintings were thought provoking and beautiful.
In the middle of town is a large plaza where people can gather, relax, shop, eat or drink. Here is Joan relaxing under a tree in the 80 degree heat.
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