The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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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Neighborhood: Downtown
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24
317 ftParks

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Things Finer
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,952 reviews
Excellent
2,583
Very good
1,108
Average
235
Poor
23
Terrible
3
Gail Goldman
Hartsdale, NY1,097 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 April 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Paul M
Kingston, TN112 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 May 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
LisaMNUSA
Minnesota690 contributions
Jun 2021
We walked around this church and took some pictures for about 5-10 minutes. Since there was a mass going on, visitors were not allowed in. We came back in the afternoon since our hotel was just 2 minutes walk to here, we walked inside and took some pictures as other visitors did.
Written June 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ANNIEPG
Pittsburgh556 contributions
Sep 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 November 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DDM
10 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 May 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SuzyQu15
Brooklyn, NY1,443 contributions
Oct 2021
Beautiful architecture, stained glass and chapels, there is so much to see in this gorgeous church. A peaceful sanctuary, it is nice to take the time to just sit and look around. Apparently the church has an interesting history, being built around an original building dated back to the 1700’s. There is a beautiful chapel housing La Conquistadora, a small wooden statue of the Madonna brought to New Mexico by the Spanish.
Written October 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
zombienic
Minnesota1,209 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
This chuch is a beautiful building, the doors in the front are insane! Then you go inside and get wowed even more. There were volunteers inside making sure everybody was masked you are allowed to take pictures which was nice. We walked around outside as well. My husband and I both did the Labyrinth, I wonder if people thought we were crazy walking in circles haha! It was pretty fun and gets you a bunch of steps for the day! The only thing I didn't like was in the gift shop they had things for sale like hand sanitizer with religious figures on the labels. Trying to profit off of a pandemic seems very un-religious to me. Anything to make money I guess!
Written April 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jean B
Phoenix, AZ3 contributions
Oct 2021
My soul was renewed. This stunning church enables peace as you settle in your pew and take in the beauty all around you. I loved the handbell ensemble, I loved the procession with the crucifix that carried the Santa Fe culture, I loved the Spanish/English Mass. The stations of the cross were fabulous and the 'drawn curtain" made me feel I was given a front row seat to the events of this most important day on earth. Hope they are Holy Ghosts! LOL
Written October 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
wicomet
Madison, WI267 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
This free attraction in downtown Santa Fe is well worth a visit. The grounds are immaculate, and the provide a wonderful experience. There are moving statues of the Twelve Stages of the Cross, Catholic Pueblo images, and of course, St. Francis. There are two sanctuaries inside. The larger one is the main draw with its beautiful Spanish colonial inspired artwork. The smaller is a working sanctuary. If you are religious, there is a daily mass offered here.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jan W
18 contributions
Apr 2019
The area of Santa Fe has many missions and Catholic Churches to visit and all are worth the time. The Beautiful St. Francis of Assisi was so interesting and there was a priest there who took us around and told us stories about St. Francis. He showed us art works that are there and we were able to talk to him for awhile. We left feeling very good about the area and all of the missions and churches.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
smokeysmith
Guildford, UK137 contributions
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?
smcfo
Santa Maria, CA19 contributions
Unknown.
Travelcrazyperson_12
Long Beach, CA144 contributions
Does it snow around ThanksGiving?
892olivian
20 contributions
Generally, we get our first snow by Halloween. It snowed yesterday which is pretty early for Northern NM.
Beverly S
1 contribution
Who are all the saints in the picture behind the alter
William L
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States263 contributions
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)
Show map of New Mexico
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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]
Anne G
Irving, TX14 contributions
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.
Char W
Bradenton, FL149 contributions
Open for visitors all day to come and go, people also taking pictures. Some sections roped off but you can still see area.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
- The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is open:
- Sun - Sun 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Mon - Sat 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 9 The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi:
- (0.10 mi) La Fonda On the Plaza
- (0.10 mi) Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe
- (0.11 mi) Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
- (0.09 mi) Inn and Spa at Loretto
- (0.12 mi) Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe
- Restaurants near The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi:
- (0.07 mi) Palacio Cafe
- (0.09 mi) La Plazuela
- (0.07 mi) Luminaria Restaurant
- (0.08 mi) The Shed
- (0.08 mi) French Pastry Shop & Restaurant