During the 1680 Pueblo Revolt, 21 Franciscan Friars lost their lives in the fight between the natives and the Spanish. A single cross was erected to commemorate those 21 lives lost of these holy men. Although the original cross, which is still standing just north of the city, is now surrounded by homes and un accessible.
In the late ’70′s students of the Santa Fe Vocational High School assembled and erected this “new” version of a single white cross sits on a terraced hill overlooking Santa Fe.
The path that leads up to the cross is paved, wide and has handrails.
Walking up the path you will notice some unique things about the hill. 1st you will notice fire pits along the sides of the handrails. These are called luminarias. A mixture of piñon, cedar and pine logs, bring life to these fire pits. Like an offering of incense to the heavens above the luminarias light up the hillside during the closing mass and ceremonies of our annual Fiestas de Santa Fe, which this year is our 298th practiced and participated! This is truly a sight to see, unlike no other…
Working your way up you will notice bronze plaques that describe the sights you can see from your position on the hill. Even better this is a great way to learn the timeline of the land you see you see before you. Starting in pre-historic times, to the arrival of the 1st beans and corn seeds that made it to North America! Continuing to the arrival of the Spanish, up to the building of the 1st ever Atomic Bomb in Los Alamos, NM. Following to the most current of the celebrations, our 400th Birthday this year!
This is a great place for a quiet walk, especially during a spectacular sunset. Don’t forget your camera!
