Santa Fe literally means ‘holy faith’ in Spanish and the name was shortened from “La Villa Real de la Santa Fé de San Francisco de Asis” which means “The Royal Town of the Holy faith of St. Francis of Assisi”. This holy city, which is now the capital of the U.S. state of New Mexico was founded on the banks of the Santa Fe River. With its rich history and cultural background dating back to the ninth century make it a holy ground in terms of art and architecture. Book your cheap flights to USA to marvel at the magnificent and historic churches of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
St. Francis Cathedral: Of all the beautiful old churches the St. Francis Cathedral is the most prominent as it is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese. It is situated just one block east of the main town square. Built between 1869 and 1886 by the Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy in the Romanesque Revival style. This majestic cathedral in all its glory contains beautifully characteristic round arches which are separated by Corinthian columns and smaller truncated square towers.
The striking rose window in the front along with the other stain glass windows depicting the Twelve Apostles were all imported from France. Outside you will find bronze statues of Lamy and Blessed Kateri and on the inside as you enter the carved bronze doors you will find the fascinatingly intricate carvings and paintings in the Nave, La Conquistadora Chapel, Blessed Sacrament Chapel and a Sanctuary located at the east end. The reredos (altar screens) with St. Francis surrounded by saints of the New World also make for a fascinating treat to look at.
San Miguel Mission Church: This is recognized as the ‘Oldest Church in United States”. It is located only one block south of Loretto Chapel. The mission was originally built in the early 1600’s by the Tlaxcalan Indians from Mexico. It had been destroyed by the numerous invasions on the area but its reconstruction finished in 1710. It contains a three-tier tower and massive stone buttresses which were added for support. The interior contains impressive wooden reredos dating back to 1798 and a wooden statue of St. Michael as he celebrates the victory over Satan.
Loretto Chapel: Constructed in the 1870’s this beautiful Gothic structure is believed to be the first of its kind on the west side of the Mississippi River. Other than the marvelous façade this church is home to what the residents call a ‘miracle’ staircase. This 360 degree spiral staircase contains 33 steps and has no center support which makes it an architectural marvel. Its carpenters origins also remain a mystery to this date as he mysteriously appeared to create this wonder and just as mysteriously disappeared right after completing it without even receiving his payment for creating this fascinating marvel.
Santa Fe’s must visit churches are a marvel that anyone can enjoy. Other magnificent and historic churches include the El Santuario de Guadalupe and the Cristo Rey Church which are also excellent examples of New Mexico’s Spanish Colonial religious art.
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