The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
4.5
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
This cathedral was built in 1886, and is known for its beautiful Romanesque architecture.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • roadtrip_ken_2017
    Oakland, California443 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An impressive neo-Romanesque church
    I visited Santa Fe recently and stopped in to look at the cathedral, built in the 1800s. It's in a very convenient location, just a block from the Plaza. Built in the 1800s, The facade is impressive with its twin bell towers. The spacious and bright interior is even more impressive, built a neo-Romanesque style. There are numerous stained glass windows that are quite beautiful. It doesn't take very long to take a look through the cathedral building, and I'd say that this is one of Santa Fe's most impressive sights.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 11 June 2024
  • ReadRibbet
    1,653 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Take in the Beautiful Grounds around the Cathedral
    We walked the grounds of the Basilica on our recent trip the Santa Fe. Parking can be difficult in this busy part of town. You can walk onto the grounds with a fee. The front grounds have beautiful statues including St. Francis and St. Kateri. There is also a water sculpture which serves as a memorial for Covid victims. The cathedral is next to a garden area which you can walk around and sit in. We were unable to go inside when we visited.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 16 July 2024
  • Meggan S
    Okarche, Oklahoma50 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Cathedral!
    This is a must see if you’re spending time in Santa Fe. It’s a beautiful Cathedral! I have visited this cathedral many times and I have never been disappointed when visiting this church. The stained glass windows are amazing. Also the prayer garden outside is a peaceful little place to pray and reflect.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 1 August 2024
  • Nina B
    Wichita Falls, Texas9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Check out the prayer gardens surrounding the church.
    I really love spending early Sunday morning in the beautiful prayer garden. The church is a fixture in Santa Fe, but the prayer garden caught me by surprise and I returned later. It;s in important stop when visiting the downtown plaza area..
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 19 August 2024
  • DEBBIE C
    Medford, Massachusetts71 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A PEACEFUL PLACE
    This church is heart of city. The inside has book display with many dress the little Mary statue wears all year long. There are statues inside. there are stain glass windows inside but outside stain glass mozic tiles of staints and wooden crave statue of saints ,angels and animals. There a fountain. A peace garden place where StFrancis himself would rest and feed the birds
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 24 August 2024
  • JN-FoodieForever
    Austin, Texas3,245 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Always a Wonderful Mass...
    Update September 2024 We had the chance to attend Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis in Santa Fe, NM, and, as always, it was a wonderful experience! The day was sunny and warm and the cathedral grounds were beautiful. The Mass was about 60/40 English and Spanish, an expression of, the local community! So nice… we didn’t have the children’s choir this time, but the adults sounded just as good! LOL Seriously, the music at the Cathedral is one of the best parts os the Mass. It’s obvious the amount of time the music ministry puts in to hone their craft… amazing! The Cathedral is beautiful as well! What a blessing to be able to attend Mass at such an wonderful place! 🙏🙏🙏 September 2023 Wonderful place to celebrate the Mass. We attended Mass on a Sunday morning during a recent trip to Santa Fe, NM. The celebrant at the Mass was the pastor, Most Reverend John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe, NM. He was wonderful. To describe the Cathedral as beautiful is an understatement! It is breathtaking... Just walking in the door you feel closer to God! The stained-glass artwork is exceptional. Perhaps most striking about the Mass was the music. A new sound system had been installed a couple of weeks earlier. The choir was great, and the individual singers even better, especially the children that sang solo! The parish clearly devotes a lot of time, energy and funding in support of the music ministry at the parish. Truly, one of the most beautiful Masses we have ever attended. We will definitely be in attending Mass at the Cathedral Basilica every time we visit Santa Fe, NM.
    Visited September 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 29 September 2024
  • oakleysmom2021
    Greeley, Colorado26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gorgeous and inspiring church
    A beautiful Catholic church. We lucked out, the church was going to be closed for 6-8 weeks to restore the wooden floors the next day. We attended mass as well, but regardless of faith, this was a gorgeous building. The Christmas decorations were still up as well.
    Visited January 2025
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 January 2025
  • Outdoor Traveler
    Bangor, Maine48 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful cathedral and grounds
    This is just a beautiful old church inside and out. It was very inspiring to visit. Sometime I'd like to go to mass there. Beautiful decor, well maintained, and some interesting historical displays. We were there on a nice, sunny morning which really highlighted the stained glass. Also, the grounds are lovely and it was very pleasant to explore them, enjoy the sunshine, and take in the surrounding scenery.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 23 January 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles4,015 reviews
Excellent
2,626
Very good
1,124
Average
237
Poor
24
Terrible
4

GastroEclectico
Phoenix, AZ1,718 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Family
This magnificent structure, a beautiful historical landmark, a site of creative beauty, a sanctuary of Catholicism and a place of awe and meditation regardless of one’s convictions is a must visit when in Santa Fe. Its origins, which began in 1626, then rebuilt in the 1700s, is astounding and profound. The present structure’s birth dates from 1869 is a must visit for history buffs like me. From its stunning presence in architecture when viewing from across the street at Cathedral Park, or ascending its stairs, admiring a majestic statue of Father Lami, to its main entry bronze doors, does not put in plain words what will be witnessed once inside its walls. Simply remarkable. The inside is beyond words and must be visited to appreciate. The most compelling offering to me here is the tranquil walk through a fascinating and reflective state of mind when visiting the Prayer Garden, with its fourteen statuaries of the stages leading to Jesus' crucifixion, this tranquil, pensive, green, and lush circular tree laden garden with benches along the way makes you ponder and offers peace of mind. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is a must do when visiting Santa Fe – maybe more than once! Go reflect for a couple of hours, or more!
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Elfma
La Jolla, CA777 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Friends
Beautiful French Romanesque Cathedral surrounded by fountains and gardens. A short walk from Santa Fe Plaza, ending your busy day in Santa Fe here is an excellent choice. East-facing, the glow of the sun setting against the building is a memorable sight. There were no concerts scheduled during our stay, but check out the website to see if you can attend one. Amazing acoustics. AD access is challenging here, as is the case in downtown Santa Fe generally.
Written 15 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JN-FoodieForever
Austin, TX3,245 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Family
Wonderful place to celebrate the Mass. We attended Mass on a Sunday morning during a recent trip to Santa Fe, NM. The celebrant at the Mass was the pastor, Most Reverend John C. Wester, Archbishop of Santa Fe, NM. He was wonderful. To describe the Cathedral as beautiful is an understatement! It is breathtaking... Just walking in the door you feel closer to God! The stained-glass artwork is exceptional.

Perhaps most striking about the Mass was the music. A new sound system had been installed a couple of weeks earlier. The choir was great, and the individual singers even better, especially the children that sang solo! The parish clearly devotes a lot of time, energy and funding in support of the music ministry at the parish. Truly, one of the most beautiful Masses we have ever attended. We will definitely be in attending Mass at the Cathedral Basilica every time we visit Santa Fe, NM.
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

thetravelorganizer
Tega Cay, SC616 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Couples
The French Romanesque Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, 131 Cathedral Place, is open and free to visit Tuesday through Friday from 9:30am-4pm and Saturday from 9:30am-3pm.

Tip #1: The powerful Prayer Garden to the right of the Basilica features 14 life-size sculptures depicting the Stations of the Cross.

Tip #2: Don’t miss the bronze doors which are reminiscent of Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise of the Baptistery in Florence, Italy.
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ANNIEPG
Pittsburgh573 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021
Downtown and close to the Plaza it was easy to stop by here and I'm glad we did. The church was beautiful but we found it odd that a large portion of the floor was covered in what looked like cheap old fashioned kitchen linoleum.

Neither my husband or I got a spiritual feel here even though St. Francis is my favorite saint. It felt rather cold and sterile. The placement of the greeting area felt like an entertainment venue and the gift shop seemed a little too obvious.

From a previous visit, I seem to remember a statue of St Francis outside with a depiction of his "Sermon to the Birds" and actual birds were magically all around it. I didn't see that this time. I think something had been changed or moved.

For a more spiritual, warmer environment, I recommend the Loretto Chapel also downtown Santa Fe. However I cannot say enough about Sancturario De Chimayo in the mountains north of Santa Fe. The Spanish, Native American, healing, spirituality of the place is well worth the drive.
Written 8 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DDM
North Little Rock, AR10 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021
The grounds are lovely and the mass was nice, but be very careful parking here. The sign on the street says free parking, but we found out the hard way that it’s ONLY free during mass. The church charges $10 to park here, but you won’t see that posted. The meters on the street are free on Sunday, but the church lot is NOT free. If you do decide to park here, be sure and stop at the booth and try to get their attention. If you don’t go to the booth and purchase a ticket, the church will boot you and will charge you and your group $100 per vehicle to remove the boot.
Written 9 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kate J
Missoula, MT350 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Couples
This is a building reflecting Italian workmanship and design. It has recently been refurbished to include modern perspectives by including indigenous saints and updated Stations of the Cross. It is huge but acoustics are great if you attend a mass with singing. Igor Stravinsky performed one of his compositions here.
Written 6 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gail Goldman
Hartsdale, NY1,074 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
A building with beautiful architecture. The outside has some interesting statues including one of an Indian woman holding a feather who was the first American Indian saint. The bronze entrance doors have many panels showing the history of the church in Santa Fe. There is a Hebrew inscription at the top of the arch over the entrance of the cathedral designating the name of God so look for that.
Inside there are lovely stained glass windows an a huge baptismal font in the center of the church.
Written 4 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

James and Sandr... B
Lufkin, TX646 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023
Lots of history in this church. We enjoyed the serenity and beauty of the church and the history also. We went to see the 30-inch-tall wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. According to articles I have read she is called La Conquistadora, Our Lady of Conquering Love. She is believed to be the oldest Virgin Mary likeness in the United States. Anyway. we looked for her in Lady Chapel of the church. That is the only part of the older church that remains. After not seeing her there and touring the church we asked at the desk where she was and was told she was at Rosario Chapel for Novena. So we did enjoy the peace and beauty of the church.
Written 19 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Paul M
Kingston, TN139 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Couples
The two churches dedicated to St Francis are wonderful. Frescoes, architecture, and the general tranquil feeling are relaxing and awe inspiring. Attended a Sunday morning Mass, also. Wonderful music with many fellow believers left me spiritually refreshed.
But there are two other churches to be seen at the other end of twin; ‘Sta. Clara’s’ and San Rufino. Both are to be experienced in their own ways.
Add to that the spectacular vistas, great food, even better local wines, some good shopping ( buy quality not touristy junk) and hospitable people and you have a HIT!
Bring your walking shoes and prepare for a cardio/leg workout. Flat walking is in very short supply.
Assisi is worth the effort.
Written 8 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 3,868
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe

All Santa Fe HotelsSanta Fe Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Santa Fe
All things to do in Santa Fe
RestaurantsFlightsTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire