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San Miguel Chapel

San Miguel Chapel

San Miguel Chapel
4.5
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
About
Constructed in 1610 by the Tlaxcalan Indians of Mexico, who came to New Mexico as servants of the Spanish, this is the oldest church still in use in the country.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown
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See what travellers are saying
  • 2012natty
    Las Vegas, Nevada109 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a trip
    This is the oldest Catholic Church in the US. Of the 3 churches I visited in Santa Fe (Loretto Chapel and the Basilica being the other 2), this was, by far, the most enjoyable. It reminded me of the style of the California Missions. The bell is from the 14th century. The docent was very informative. You can ring the bell, and, according to legend, you’ll be sure to return if you do. Self- guided tour and free.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 9 October 2023
  • Robert B
    Massanutten, Virginia395 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely old church
    This church is historic and beautiful. I’m from Virginia and grew up thinking the oldest churches were in the Tidewater area of our state. Boy, I learned something new with my visit to San Miguel. It was built about 70 years before the oldest church in Virginia! Breathtaking altar.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 May 2024
  • roadtrip_ken_2017
    Oakland, California446 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating old church plus an intriguing bronze bell
    This church was started in 1610 though partially reconstructed about a century later (there's debate about how much of the original construction remains), and it's undergone various renovations and reconstructions since then. It's reputed to be the oldest existing church in the US. It's not large but the interior in particular is quite beautiful, and unlike some other New Mexico churches, you're allowed to take photos inside. There'a a large bronze bell inside with a fascinating story behind it - it may have been made in Spain in 1356 though there is disagreement about this date. The church is only a short walk from the Plaza area and well worth visiting if you're in Santa Fe.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 11 June 2024
  • Meggan S
    Okarche, Oklahoma50 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing old church to see
    Another must see stop while in Santa Fe. Oldest church in the USA. Beautifully and well kept church. You can walk up to the alter and look over the railing down into see through floor that shows the original steps and flooring Into the original sanctuary from hundreds of years ago. If you love visiting old churches or love historical sites, do not skip this one!
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 1 August 2024
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 bubbles934 reviews
Excellent
513
Very good
354
Average
56
Poor
9
Terrible
2

M J
Austin, TX7,867 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
My husband and I went to the San Miguel Mission (the oldest church in US) on a Sunday afternoon at 3:30 pm. It was built in 1610 and is located just 5 minutes from downtown/plaza in Santa Fe. The inside and outside of the church was very interesting. We spent about 10 minutes there. There was no charge to enter the old church/mission. The oldest house in the US was across the street. Both buildings are worth a short visit.
Written 4 August 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.

Jim B
Grapeview, WA1,844 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021 • Couples
It was nice to tour this historic building and ponder all that has happened within these walls over the last 400 plus years.

I appreciated that you can tour by donation only and that it wasn't commercialized with a gift shop.

It has been carefully restored and nice to see some of the original structure that they have left exposed. It was nice to come in and just sit for awhile in a quiet, peaceful place.
Written 21 September 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.

Edward
Santa Rosa, CA3,237 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021
This is a wonderful small church and very historic. It holds the claim of being the oldest church building in use in the United States having been built in the early 17th century as the Spanish settled this region. It is a simple adobe structure at the southern edge of downtown. Inside, it has some nice details. It is relatively simple, given the age and its location at the fringe of Spanish settlement at that time but the history adds much extra interest.
Written 15 January 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.

SneakinDeacon
Christiansburg, VA1,662 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Friends
While the Nearby Loretto Chapel get most of the attention from Santa Fe Tourists, the San Miquel Chapel is truly an often-overlooked historic treasure. The small Chapel dates to 1610 and visitors today will see a small but beautiful sanctuary along with several Spanish Artifacts. You can also see the original sanctuary steps that date back to 1610. The steps and original foundation are visible through protective glass. San Miguel lays claim to being the Oldest Church in the United States that is still holding services. I would encourage anyone visiting Santa Fe to take the time to visit this historic church.
Written 30 July 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.

roadtrip_ken_2017
Oakland, CA446 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Friends
This church was started in 1610 though partially reconstructed about a century later (there's debate about how much of the original construction remains), and it's undergone various renovations and reconstructions since then. It's reputed to be the oldest existing church in the US. It's not large but the interior in particular is quite beautiful, and unlike some other New Mexico churches, you're allowed to take photos inside. There'a a large bronze bell inside with a fascinating story behind it - it may have been made in Spain in 1356 though there is disagreement about this date. The church is only a short walk from the Plaza area and well worth visiting if you're in Santa Fe.
Written 11 June 2024
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.

Treker650
Kaysville, UT195 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022
We were fortunate to have an excellent docent who shared so much history and fascinating stories about the chapel. We were also allowed to clang the church bell with a hammer, such beautiful tones. This is another must do when you are in Sant Fe!
Written 16 October 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.

jamusaba
Florida374 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022
Originally built in the 16th century as a mission church , it still contains a few centuries old oil paintings in the altar area and the original church bell which actually pre- dates the chapel. More recently the adjacent buildings were once converted as a boarding school for boys while the church chapel designated a national historic site. Highly recommended.
Written 27 October 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.

WC-Travelers-75
West Chester, PA2,191 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2019
This is the one chapel or church to see in Santa Fe. You feel the history and humble beginnings.

Unfortunately, we did not spend as much time as we would have liked since we arrived right before closing time at 4 pm.
Written 20 February 2020
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, SC619 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Couples
According to oral history, The San Miguel Mission/Chapel, 401 Old Santa Fe Trail, dates to 1610 – just 3 years after the first English settlement at Jamestown and 10 years before the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts. It’s worth familiarizing yourself with its history before your visit (which is free) even though docent history talks are scheduled Tuesday through Saturday at 11am and 2pm. Of special interest is the mystery of the San Jose Bell just inside the front entrance which visitors are invited to sound.
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.

2012natty
Las Vegas, NV109 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Friends
This is the oldest Catholic Church in the US. Of the 3 churches I visited in Santa Fe (Loretto Chapel and the Basilica being the other 2), this was, by far, the most enjoyable. It reminded me of the style of the California Missions. The bell is from the 14th century. The docent was very informative. You can ring the bell, and, according to legend, you’ll be sure to return if you do. Self- guided tour and free.
Written 10 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.

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San Miguel Chapel, Santa Fe

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