Historical Churches (Self Guided), Santa Fe
In Santa Fe, there's no shortage of religious sites fit to impress. Some of the local churches date back as far as the foundation of the city itself. As you immerse in their hallowed halls, prepare yourself to be enraptured by their architectural and spiritual splendor.
One such venerable place is undoubtedly the San Miguel Mission. The oldest church in the United States, it was built around 1610 by Tlaxcalan Indians under the direction of Spanish Franciscan missionaries. Renowned for its historic bell, one of the oldest church bells in the country, the mission's adobe walls and simple architectural style reflect the early Spanish Colonial influence.
Also, you may want to discover the Loretto Chapel. This enchanting sanctuary, steeped in wonder, is famous for its intriguing spiral staircase. As you ascend the "Miraculous Stairs", deservedly regarded as an architectural marvel seemingly conjured by otherworldly hands, you will feel as if transported to a realm where the mystical and the divine intertwine, leaving you in awe of the inexplicable forces that shape our world.
Further on, bask in the sublime grandeur of the Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi, whose resolute Romanesque features serve as a resounding hymn to artistic prowess, or delve into the annals of history at the Holy Faith Episcopal Church, or embrace the allure of the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, an architectural gem complete with its towers, battlements, and turrets.
But remember, a church is not a building or a steeple, nor is it a museum for saints or a gallery for the exhibition of eminent Christians. A church is primarily about the souls who gather within and their shared journey of faith. In Santa Fe's historical churches, faith and artistry harmoniously converge, making them significant cultural landmarks for both locals and tourists to explore and appreciate.
One such venerable place is undoubtedly the San Miguel Mission. The oldest church in the United States, it was built around 1610 by Tlaxcalan Indians under the direction of Spanish Franciscan missionaries. Renowned for its historic bell, one of the oldest church bells in the country, the mission's adobe walls and simple architectural style reflect the early Spanish Colonial influence.
Also, you may want to discover the Loretto Chapel. This enchanting sanctuary, steeped in wonder, is famous for its intriguing spiral staircase. As you ascend the "Miraculous Stairs", deservedly regarded as an architectural marvel seemingly conjured by otherworldly hands, you will feel as if transported to a realm where the mystical and the divine intertwine, leaving you in awe of the inexplicable forces that shape our world.
Further on, bask in the sublime grandeur of the Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi, whose resolute Romanesque features serve as a resounding hymn to artistic prowess, or delve into the annals of history at the Holy Faith Episcopal Church, or embrace the allure of the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, an architectural gem complete with its towers, battlements, and turrets.
But remember, a church is not a building or a steeple, nor is it a museum for saints or a gallery for the exhibition of eminent Christians. A church is primarily about the souls who gather within and their shared journey of faith. In Santa Fe's historical churches, faith and artistry harmoniously converge, making them significant cultural landmarks for both locals and tourists to explore and appreciate.
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Historical Churches Map
Guide Name: Historical Churches
Guide Location: USA » Santa Fe (See other walking tours in Santa Fe)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Author: sabrina
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: USA » Santa Fe (See other walking tours in Santa Fe)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Author: sabrina
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- San Miguel Mission [Oldest Church in the U.S.]
- Loretto Chapel
- Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
- Holy Faith Episcopal Church
- Scottish Rite Masonic Temple
- Santuario de Guadalupe (Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe)
![San Miguel Mission [Oldest Church in the U.S.]](/img/gd_attr/35140.jpg)
1) San Miguel Mission [Oldest Church in the U.S.] (must see)
Back in 1610, some Franciscan friars got busy and put up what's now the oldest church in the States. This was Santa Fe's first church, and those Spanish missionaries were smart enough to plonk it down across the river where the native folks were hanging out. They were all about spreading the good word, so they whipped up this mission before even sorting out their own church closer to the Plaza.
Now, this place has seen its fair share of facelifts, so it's tough to say what's original and what's not. It's made of adobe with walls about five feet thick, and they threw in some stone buttresses in 1887 to keep everything from going sideways. The original church was likely a bit smaller, but it's been spruced up despite being set on fire during the Pueblo Revolt, and keeps standing on the same old foundations.
But enough about the exterior—let's dive into some juicy bits. The interior snug and whitewashed, with a restored late-18th-century altar screen that's seen its fair share of adventures. Covered in layers of house paint for years, it is the handiwork of an anonymous Mexican artist and acts like a giant picture frame, stuffed with oil paintings and bultos (fancy term for those painted wooden saint statues). And if you peek beneath your feet, you'll catch a glimpse of the church's original foundations—talk about history underfoot!
Tucked away at the back, San Miguel's old bell supposedly hails from Spain way back in 1356 – or so the engraving claims. Historians aren't buying it: They reckon it's more likely a sneaky defect that made an 8 look like a 3. Anyway, it made its way to the New World and landed here in the early 1800s, and it still hums like a charm, even with just a little tap.
Now, this place has seen its fair share of facelifts, so it's tough to say what's original and what's not. It's made of adobe with walls about five feet thick, and they threw in some stone buttresses in 1887 to keep everything from going sideways. The original church was likely a bit smaller, but it's been spruced up despite being set on fire during the Pueblo Revolt, and keeps standing on the same old foundations.
But enough about the exterior—let's dive into some juicy bits. The interior snug and whitewashed, with a restored late-18th-century altar screen that's seen its fair share of adventures. Covered in layers of house paint for years, it is the handiwork of an anonymous Mexican artist and acts like a giant picture frame, stuffed with oil paintings and bultos (fancy term for those painted wooden saint statues). And if you peek beneath your feet, you'll catch a glimpse of the church's original foundations—talk about history underfoot!
Tucked away at the back, San Miguel's old bell supposedly hails from Spain way back in 1356 – or so the engraving claims. Historians aren't buying it: They reckon it's more likely a sneaky defect that made an 8 look like a 3. Anyway, it made its way to the New World and landed here in the early 1800s, and it still hums like a charm, even with just a little tap.
2) Loretto Chapel (must see)
Loretto Chapel, the first Gothic-style building west of the Mississippi, was constructed alongside the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi for the Sisters of Loretto, New Mexico's pioneering nuns. Originally named the Chapel of Our Lady of Light, this project kicked off in 1873 with the aim of mirroring the grandeur of Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, France. The Chapel's materials, including stones from quarries 200 miles south, and the expertise of French architects and Italian stonemasons were shared with the Cathedral Basilica. With its spires, buttresses, and imported harmonium and stained-glass windows from France, Loretto exudes architectural splendor.
But what truly draws the eye is the exquisite spiral staircase, dubbed the "Miraculous Stairs", leading to the choir loft. Crafted entirely from wood, this marvel winds gracefully without any central support pole, defying gravity like it's no big deal. Legend has it that in 1878, a mysterious carpenter, seemingly guided by the Sisters of Loretto's spiritual call, silently toiled for six months flat to create this masterpiece. And then, like a true mystery man, he vanished into thin air, leaving behind nothing but whispers of his craftiness. These fascinating tales, along with other historical nuggets, are shared on a looped recording inside the chapel.
But what truly draws the eye is the exquisite spiral staircase, dubbed the "Miraculous Stairs", leading to the choir loft. Crafted entirely from wood, this marvel winds gracefully without any central support pole, defying gravity like it's no big deal. Legend has it that in 1878, a mysterious carpenter, seemingly guided by the Sisters of Loretto's spiritual call, silently toiled for six months flat to create this masterpiece. And then, like a true mystery man, he vanished into thin air, leaving behind nothing but whispers of his craftiness. These fascinating tales, along with other historical nuggets, are shared on a looped recording inside the chapel.
3) Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (must see)
Santa Fe's majestic Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, at the end of East San Francisco Street, is a testament to the vision of Bishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy, who oversaw its construction over a span of 15 years in the late 19th century. Known for his determination to "elevate" the city to European standards, Lamy's ambitious project resulted in this grandiose cathedral, towering over the landscape.
Lamy's disdain for the local religious customs, including the cult of the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Penitente brotherhood's practices, drove him to build a cathedral that surpassed the aesthetics and standards of the existing adobe structures. The original tiny adobe church dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, standing for 170 years, served as the framework for the new stone cathedral, constructed in Romanesque Revival style. However, due to financial constraints, Lamy's dream of domed towers atop the facade remained unfulfilled.
Inside, visitors are greeted by Gothic-inspired architecture, flooded with light from glowing stained-glass windows. A striking gilt altar screen, installed in 1987 for the building's centennial dedication, showcases primarily New World saints, including Kateri Tekakwitha, a 17th-century Mohawk woman canonized in 2012. Adjacent to the main altar stands the salvaged adobe chapel dedicated to La Conquistadora, a revered Native American statue with a storied history dating back to the 17th century.
As you make your grand exit, take a moment to appreciate the great cast-bronze doors, each panel telling a tale of New Mexico's Catholic history. These doors offer glimpses into the cathedral's past, including scenes of Italian stoneworkers constructing the edifice and families fleeing during the 1680 Pueblo Revolt—a rare depiction sympathetic to the Spanish perspective.
Lamy's disdain for the local religious customs, including the cult of the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Penitente brotherhood's practices, drove him to build a cathedral that surpassed the aesthetics and standards of the existing adobe structures. The original tiny adobe church dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, standing for 170 years, served as the framework for the new stone cathedral, constructed in Romanesque Revival style. However, due to financial constraints, Lamy's dream of domed towers atop the facade remained unfulfilled.
Inside, visitors are greeted by Gothic-inspired architecture, flooded with light from glowing stained-glass windows. A striking gilt altar screen, installed in 1987 for the building's centennial dedication, showcases primarily New World saints, including Kateri Tekakwitha, a 17th-century Mohawk woman canonized in 2012. Adjacent to the main altar stands the salvaged adobe chapel dedicated to La Conquistadora, a revered Native American statue with a storied history dating back to the 17th century.
As you make your grand exit, take a moment to appreciate the great cast-bronze doors, each panel telling a tale of New Mexico's Catholic history. These doors offer glimpses into the cathedral's past, including scenes of Italian stoneworkers constructing the edifice and families fleeing during the 1680 Pueblo Revolt—a rare depiction sympathetic to the Spanish perspective.
4) Holy Faith Episcopal Church
Church of the Holy Faith is an historic Episcopal church. The parish was established in 1863 and is the oldest Episcopal church in New Mexico. In its early days, many of the church members were the Anglo soldiers and officers garrisoned in Santa Fe during the American Civil War.
The first church building was completed in 1882 in a style known as "folk gothic" which resembles the architecture of many English cathedrals and parish churches dating from the simplified style of the 13th century. The building was also one of the first dressed-stone buildings in Santa Fe at the time.
In the 20th century, the church's physical footprint grew under two projects led by Santa Fe architect and parishioner John Gaw Meem whose Pueblo Revival architecture became known as “Santa Fe style". Meem designed the church's adjacent parish house, now known as Palen Hall, which was completed in 1926. Towards the end of his career, Meem expanded the sanctuary, adding a chancel and choir in 1953.
What you see today is a simple gothic structure with a clear Santa Fe flavor. Go visit it if you are in the neighborhood.
The first church building was completed in 1882 in a style known as "folk gothic" which resembles the architecture of many English cathedrals and parish churches dating from the simplified style of the 13th century. The building was also one of the first dressed-stone buildings in Santa Fe at the time.
In the 20th century, the church's physical footprint grew under two projects led by Santa Fe architect and parishioner John Gaw Meem whose Pueblo Revival architecture became known as “Santa Fe style". Meem designed the church's adjacent parish house, now known as Palen Hall, which was completed in 1926. Towards the end of his career, Meem expanded the sanctuary, adding a chancel and choir in 1953.
What you see today is a simple gothic structure with a clear Santa Fe flavor. Go visit it if you are in the neighborhood.
5) Scottish Rite Masonic Temple
The Scottish Rite Masonic Temple is one of the city’s most striking architectural landmarks, easily recognizable by its vibrant pink Moorish Revival façade. Completed in 1912, the building was designed by the architectural firm Hunt and Burns, inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Its unusual style, with horseshoe arches, ornate towers, and intricate detailing, makes it stand out against Santa Fe’s adobe-dominated streetscape. The temple was built to serve as a gathering place for the Freemasons of New Mexico, reflecting the organization’s prominence in civic and cultural life during the early 20th century.
Inside, the temple houses an impressive 350-seat auditorium designed with remarkable acoustics and detailed stage settings. These features made it a venue not only for Masonic ceremonies but also for theatrical performances, concerts, and community events. The Scottish Rite Temple quickly became a cultural hub, offering Santa Fe residents and visitors a place where ritual, performance, and architecture converged. Today, its interiors still capture a sense of grandeur, with richly decorated meeting halls, painted ceilings, and period furnishings.
While the temple continues to serve the Scottish Rite Masons, it also welcomes the broader community for special events, performances, and rentals. Its unique architecture has earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring its preservation as part of Santa Fe’s diverse cultural fabric. Visitors with an eye for history, design, or local tradition will find the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple a fascinating site that bridges Old World inspiration with New Mexico’s cultural landscape.
Inside, the temple houses an impressive 350-seat auditorium designed with remarkable acoustics and detailed stage settings. These features made it a venue not only for Masonic ceremonies but also for theatrical performances, concerts, and community events. The Scottish Rite Temple quickly became a cultural hub, offering Santa Fe residents and visitors a place where ritual, performance, and architecture converged. Today, its interiors still capture a sense of grandeur, with richly decorated meeting halls, painted ceilings, and period furnishings.
While the temple continues to serve the Scottish Rite Masons, it also welcomes the broader community for special events, performances, and rentals. Its unique architecture has earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring its preservation as part of Santa Fe’s diverse cultural fabric. Visitors with an eye for history, design, or local tradition will find the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple a fascinating site that bridges Old World inspiration with New Mexico’s cultural landscape.
6) Santuario de Guadalupe (Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe)
The Santuario is a big deal in Santa Fe, not just for its historical significance but also as a spot for performances. Back in the late 1700s, some seriously dedicated Franciscan missionaries slapped together this place with walls so thick you could practically live in them. It's the oldest shrine in the U.S. dedicated to none other than the Queen of the Americas herself.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is like the Beyoncé of the Catholic world – basically another name for the Virgin Mary. Legend has it, she made a grand entrance in 1531, pulling off five surprise appearances for a Mexican farmer. She even convinced him to pester the archbishop to build her a fancy new church. To prove she meant business, she made roses bloom in the most unlikely spots and even threw in a miracle healing for good measure. Needless to say, the archbishop was convinced.
Inside, there's this mesmerizing painting of the apparition saga, done by José de Alzibar, one of Mexico's finest colonial painters. They still do masses here, and if you're up for a bit of time travel, pop into the museum for a peek at relics from the Santuario's past lives. Think Greek-style columns, fancy Italian Renaissance, and enough Mexican baroque art to make your head spin.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is like the Beyoncé of the Catholic world – basically another name for the Virgin Mary. Legend has it, she made a grand entrance in 1531, pulling off five surprise appearances for a Mexican farmer. She even convinced him to pester the archbishop to build her a fancy new church. To prove she meant business, she made roses bloom in the most unlikely spots and even threw in a miracle healing for good measure. Needless to say, the archbishop was convinced.
Inside, there's this mesmerizing painting of the apparition saga, done by José de Alzibar, one of Mexico's finest colonial painters. They still do masses here, and if you're up for a bit of time travel, pop into the museum for a peek at relics from the Santuario's past lives. Think Greek-style columns, fancy Italian Renaissance, and enough Mexican baroque art to make your head spin.
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