St. Francis Cathedral is located just one block east of the historic Santa Fe Plaza at the end of San Francisco Street.
Dedicated in 1886, the Cathedral is a blend of adobe, French-Romanesque and modern architectural styles. It is also one of the city’s most recognized,
photographed and beloved landmarks.
The sixth church built on the site, it was designed by French architects, carved by Italian stonemasons, and built by local New Mexico residents.
The Cathedral design is in sharp contrast to the adobe pueblo style architecture that so clearly defines Santa Fe and all of the Southwest.
The main structure is the Conquistadora Chapel, built of adobe in 1714, which houses La Conquistadora, Our Lady of Conquering Love, the country’s oldest Madonna,
dating from 1625. The building was commissioned by Archbishop Lamy, whose crypt lies within the Cathedral.
In 1967, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel was added in the modern style. The many stunning stained glass windows were imported from France,
and the stone for the building was brought in from 15 miles away, from what is now the small community of Lamy, New Mexico.
In July 2005, Pope Benedict XVI elevated the Cathedral to a basilica (meaning “royal hall”), calling it the “cradle of Catholicism” of the Southwest.
As the first church in New Mexico history to receive this designation, it is now officially known as Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
The history of the Church of the Holy Faith in Santa Fe is of special interest for several reasons.
It is the oldest Episcopal church, and one of the oldest of any Protestant denomination, in New Mexico.
Built in 1940 and designed by legendary Santa Fe architect John Gaw Meem to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Francisco Vásquez de Coronado's
exploration of the Southwest, this church is the largest Spanish adobe structure in the United States and is considered by many the finest example of Pueblo-style
architecture anywhere. The church was constructed in the old-fashioned way by parishioners, who mixed the more than 200,000 mud-and-straw adobe bricks and
hauled them into place. The 225-ton stone reredos (altar screen) is magnificent.
Built in 1940 and designed by legendary Santa Fe architect John Gaw Meem to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Francisco Vásquez de Coronado's
exploration of the Southwest, this church is the largest Spanish adobe structure in the United States and is considered by many the finest example of Pueblo-style
architecture anywhere. The church was constructed in the old-fashioned way by parishioners, who mixed the more than 200,000 mud-and-straw adobe bricks and
hauled them into place. The 225-ton stone reredos (altar screen) is magnificent.