Willa Cather's Walking Tour in Santa Fe

5.0 (12 reviews) 2 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

12 reviews

5.0

At the Lamy Statue — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

We start the tour on the Plaza — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

On this 2.5-hour walking tour, we’ll explore how author Willa Cather was inspired to write her "best book" (her words), "Death Comes for the Archbishop" by retracing her steps through Santa Fe in 1925 and 1926.

Our walking route covers about 1.5 miles, mostly on sidewalks, but also climbs a hill to the Cross of the Martyrs with its outstanding view of the city below. During our time together, we'll explore aspects of the novel, such as Kit Carson, Padre Antonio José Martínez, and of course Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy, New Mexico's first Catholic archbishop and the real-life inspiration for the fictional Bishop Latour in Cather's book. We will learn about Sister Blandina Segale who helped set up a hospital in Lamy's house, and visit the last remnant of Lamy's six-acre garden behind the St. Francis Cathedral in the peaceful Stations of the Cross Prayer Garden.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Garrett Peck Walking Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Charming guide

Itinerary

Santa Fe Plaza

45 min

We'll gather at the Plaza opposite La Fonda, the hotel where Cather and her partner Edith Lewis stayed during their visits. Cather has become an LGBTQ+ icon since the publication of her letters in 2013, and during this experience we will read from her letters, interviews, and articles, in addition to seeing historic footage of Santa Fe.
Cross of the Martyrs

30 min

We explore Cather's inspiration to write "Death Comes for the Archbishop" through several readings from her articles, interviews, and letters.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

30 min

We conclude our tour at Lamy statue in front of the St. Francis Cathedral, which Cather wrote helped inspire her to write the novel.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We meet at the southeast corner of the Plaza opposite La Fonda. There is shade and park benches.

End point

We conclude the tour by the Lamy statue in front of the St. Francis Cathedral.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.