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.
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Neighbourhood: Downtown
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See what travellers are saying
- roadtrip_ken_2017Oakland, California443 contributionsAn impressive neo-Romanesque churchI 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 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 11 June 2024
- ReadRibbet1,653 contributionsTake in the Beautiful Grounds around the CathedralWe 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 2024Travelled with familyWritten 16 July 2024
- Meggan SOkarche, Oklahoma50 contributionsBeautiful 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 2024Travelled with familyWritten 1 August 2024
- Nina BWichita Falls, Texas9 contributionsCheck 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 2024Travelled soloWritten 19 August 2024
- DEBBIE CMedford, Massachusetts71 contributionsA PEACEFUL PLACEThis 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 birdsVisited August 2024Travelled soloWritten 24 August 2024
- JN-FoodieForeverAustin, Texas3,245 contributionsAlways 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 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 September 2024
- oakleysmom2021Greeley, Colorado26 contributionsGorgeous and inspiring churchA 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 2025Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 January 2025
- Outdoor TravelerBangor, Maine48 contributionsBeautiful cathedral and groundsThis 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 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 January 2025
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GastroEclectico
Phoenix, AZ1,718 contributions
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
We are two retired women pilgrims walking Assisi-Rome in May 2020. We to find someone to transfer our backpacks between stops. Can anyone help please?
Written 10 January 2020
Does it snow around ThanksGiving?
Written 14 October 2018
Generally, we get our first snow by Halloween. It snowed yesterday which is pretty early for Northern NM.
Written 15 October 2018
Who are all the saints in the picture behind the alter
Written 11 December 2016
From Wikipedia-
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Santa Fe)
History
Founded 1714 (parish)
Dedication St. Francis of Assisi
Dedicated 1887
Architecture
Status Cathedral/Parish
Functional status Active
Style Romanesque Revival
Years built 1869-1887
Administration
Archdiocese Santa Fe
Clergy
Archbishop Most Rev. John Wester
Rector Rev. Adam Lee Ortega y Ortiz
St. Francis Cathedral
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Santa Fe) is located in New Mexico Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (Santa Fe)
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Location 131 Cathedral Place
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Coordinates 35°41′11.4″N 105°56′10.68″WCoordinates: 35°41′11.4″N 105°56′10.68″W
Part of Santa Fe Historic District (#73001150[1])
Added to NRHP July 23, 1973
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, commonly known as Saint Francis Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
The cathedral was built by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy between 1869 and 1886 on the site of an older adobe church, La Parroquia (built in 1714–1717). An older church on the same site, built in 1626, was destroyed in the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. The new cathedral was built around La Parroquia, which was dismantled once the new construction was complete. A small chapel on the north side of the cathedral was kept from the old church.
Influenced by the French-born Archbishop Lamy and in dramatic contrast to the surrounding adobe structures, Saint Francis Cathedral was designed in the Romanesque Revival style. As such, the cathedral features characteristic round arches separated by Corinthian columns and truncated square towers. The large rose window in front and those of the Twelve Apostles in the lateral nave windows were imported from Clermont-Ferrand in France. The towers were originally planned to be topped with dramatic 160-foot (49 m) steeples, but due to lack of funds, these were never built. The left tower is a single row of bricks taller than the right tower. The cathedral was built from yellow limestone blocks quarried near the present site of Lamy. A 2005 addition to the upper facade of the cathedral is a small, round window featuring a dove, the symbol of the Holy Spirit. It is a stained glass replica of the translucent alabaster window designed in the 17th century by the Italian artist Bernini for St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
The Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi was officially elevated to a basilica by Pope Benedict XVI on October 4, 2005, when it was named the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Contents [hide]
1 Outside portico
2 West front
3 Interior
4 Cultural references
5 References
6 External links
Outside portico[edit]
Statue of Lamy in front of the cathedral
St. Francis of Assisi
This statue of St. Francis, the patron saint of the diocese, was installed at the Cathedral during the 1967 renovations.
Saint Kateri
Kateri Tekakwitha (1656–1680) is the first North American Indian to be beatified, and was canonized in October 2012.[2] She was an Algonquian-Mohawk woman of New York State. At an early age, she converted to Christianity.[3] The statue was created by Estella Loretto, a sculptor from the nearby Jemez Pueblo, and installed in August 2003.[4] A plaque noting Kateri's canonization was added in October 2012.
Jean-Baptiste Lamy
A statue by Jeno Juszko honors Father Lamy (1814–1888), who was installed as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Santa Fe in 1850. Under his direction, the cornerstone of the current cathedral was laid in 1869. He became Archbishop in 1875, when the Diocese was raised to an Archdiocese.[5] He retired in July 1885 to his residence north of town, known as Bishop's Lodge. He is buried in the crypt beneath the Cathedral floor.[5]
Stations of the Cross Prayer Garden
Fourteen life-size sculptures by Gib Singleton represent stages during the events in the hours leading up to Jesus' crucifixion as developed by St. Francis of Assisi. The Prayer Garden is sited in the remnant of Bishop Lamy's once-extensive gardens on the cathedral grounds.
West front[edit]
Keystone
The keystone in the arch above the main entrance contains a triangle with the Tetragrammaton in Hebrew carved in it. An "old story" suggests that this was Fr. Lamy's way of thanking various local Jewish merchants for their financial contributions towards the building of the cathedral.[6] Although Jewish merchants in Santa Fe did help fund the building, there are other examples of the Catholic Church using Hebrew symbols outside of Santa Fe that cast doubt on this story's credibility.[7]
keystone Tetragrammaton
Bronze doors
Bronze doors
During the restoration of 1986, new doors were created, each with ten bronze panels that portray events in the history of the church in Santa Fe. Donna Quastoff was the commissioned sculptor.[5]
Interior[edit]
Main Nave
Nave
The baptismal font is in the center of the nave. Made of Brazilian granite, it was dedicated on June 3, 2001 by Most Rev. Michael J. Sheehan. The eight-sided form represents the 8th day, or Easter, marking God's New Creation through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.[5] The basin is a cruciform, with three steps representative of the 3 days between Jesus' crucifixion and his resurrection. The rill symbolizes the four Evangelists, who cast their nets to catch men. Its location directly between the doors and the altar is representative of the faith journey.[5] To the south is the Ambry Cabinet, containing the oils used in the sacraments. To the north is the Easter Candle stand.[5]
Surrounding the nave along the walls are the Stations of the Cross. The original artwork was done in New Mexico Mission Style. The French archbishops gradually removed the art and painted the walls white. In 1997, the current Archbishop began to have the interior restored as it was historically. The Stations are created in Santero style by Marie Romero Cash. Roberto Montoya, a Penitent, carved the Spanish-style frames.[5]
San Damiano Crucifix (replica)
La Conquistadora Chapel
In 1626, Fray Alonso Benavides brought Our Lady of the Rosary to Santa Fe. The chapel was built at that time for the statue. During the Pueblo Revolt, the statue was removed, but returned in 1693 during the peaceful return of the Spanish settlers. She was renamed La Conquistadora in honor of what was believed to be her peaceful acceptance by the natives.[5] Behind the statue is a reredos, a mural style from Spain, which depicts various saints. During a recent (2000–2009) restoration, an older painting was found.[5] On the left are the coffins of two early Franciscan priests. The chapel is listed as a "contributing property" of the Santa Fe Historic District.[8]
Blessed Sacrament Chapel
The chapel is reserved for prayer. The window wall along the south transept was added during the 1986 renovations. Etched into the glass are depictions of the Apostles and the Holy Family, by the artist Andrea Bacigalupa. The stained glass windows in the chapel were made in France and represent the Eucharist.[5]
Sanctuary
Located in the east end of the nave is the sanctuary. Above the altar is the San Damiano Crucifix, a replica of the crucifix in Assisi, Italy. Tradition says that the Lord leaned down from the crucifix and said; "Francis, go and repair my house."[5]
Reredos with St. Francis surrounded by saints of the New World.
The altar screen, a reredos, was created for the 100th anniversary of the Cathedral in 1986. In the center is an 18th-century statue of St. Francis.[5] He is surrounded by painted images of saints of the New World.[5]
Directly behind the sanctuary is the entrance to the crypt. The sanctuary was redesigned in 1986 in accordance with changes in the liturgical worship. The Archbishop's chair is located to the north, next to a pillar.[5]
Written 23 January 2017
Is the church open to come and go during the day? I would like to stop in, but want to make sure they're open.
Written 26 July 2016
Open for visitors all day to come and go, people also taking pictures. Some sections roped off but you can still see area.
Written 9 August 2016
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