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
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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Address
Neighborhood: Downtown
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See what travelers are saying
  • ArtsyGalBaltimore
    813 contributions
    Amazing Spiritual and Artistic Experience at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Franics of Assisi
    No wonder it is a major pilgrimage site with so many reviews. Prepared for our second visit to the cathedral with a study of the frescoes and used a guide obtained from a second hand bookstore. Frescoes are very impressive. Crypt a solemn experience. Upper basilica visit a bit marred by a camera crew seemingly getting ready for a broadcast or recording. Multiple large nativity scenes outside. Highly recommend a visit for those faithful to St, Francis. Parking under ground and convenient to the basilica, only a short hike. Pay toilets at entrance to lower basilica. Very large gift shop.
    Visited December 2022
    Written January 3, 2023
  • Kate J
    Missoula, Montana352 contributions
    Beautiful
    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.
    Visited February 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 6, 2023
  • Amy W
    Phoenix, Arizona140 contributions
    The Mother Church
    The cathedral sits at the end of the Main Street running through historic Santa Fe. It is almost as if it beckons you to come in. Once in you take in the beautiful wood carving and stained glass windows. The sad part of our visit is others did not respect that it was still a house of prayer and worship. Their individual conversations disrupted the peace that is usually found.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 31, 2023
  • runinCO
    Denver, Colorado154 contributions
    Beautiful Church
    We had visited 1.5 years ago and went inside. It was decorated for Christmas and beautiful. This time it was closed on our Monday walking tour. It was interesting to learn more about the history and sculptures outside the chapel. The bells that play every hour are fun too.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written July 8, 2023
  • Timothy H
    Morton, Illinois23 contributions
    Beautiful Cathedral
    This is definitely a place you will want to visit. It is a beautiful cathedral that combines southwest themes with traditional catholic architecture. My wife and I also attended Mass and it was a beautiful service that was combined in both English and Spanish.
    Visited July 2023
    Written July 9, 2023
  • James and Sandr... B
    Lufkin, Texas635 contributions
    Very Impressive Church
    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.
    Visited June 2023
    Written August 19, 2023
  • thetravelorganizer
    Tega Cay, South Carolina602 contributions
    Free to visit, closed Sunday and Monday; don't miss the Prayer Garden and bronze doors
    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.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 21, 2023
  • Simon
    Belfast, United Kingdom173 contributions
    Stunning
    Absolutely beautiful Church and despite the tourists it was still peaceful and quiet for prayer. The artwork is stunning. The tomb of St Francis is so simple and tasteful. The shop is also great, well stocked.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 14, 2023
  • GastroEclectico
    Phoenix, Arizona803 contributions
    History, Heritage, Inspiration & Contemplation!
    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!
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written September 23, 2023
  • JN-FoodieForever
    Austin, Texas348 contributions
    A Wonderful Mass...
    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 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 3, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.5
3,999 reviews
Excellent
2,613
Very good
1,122
Average
237
Poor
23
Terrible
4

Judy S
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
The Cathedral Basilica was closed Sunday afternoon, but there are beautiful grounds surrounding the Cathedral with statues and historical markers. It was a lovely stop, even though the Cathedral itself was closed.
Written 16 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.

2012natty
Las Vegas, NV88 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
This place gets 1 star, mainly due to the fact that it was closed. A church that is closed on a Sunday. Go figure. And there were so many people that wanted to visit. And, like me, were left disappointed.
Written 8 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.

JN-FoodieForever
Austin, TX348 contributions
Sep 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.
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.

Pat N
Colorado Springs, CO205 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
If you can arrange a docent tour, it is well worth the effort. You will learn so much about the cathedral, Santa Fe, and the history of the entire area. This is a beautiful and unique experience. If you can't arrange a tour, it is worth a visit anyway.
Written 28 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.

GastroEclectico
Phoenix, AZ803 contributions
Sep 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.

Simon
Belfast, UK173 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Absolutely beautiful Church and despite the tourists it was still peaceful and quiet for prayer. The artwork is stunning. The tomb of St Francis is so simple and tasteful. The shop is also great, well stocked.
Written 14 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.

Laura d
Tweed Heads, Australia279 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Beautiful Santa Fe beautiful Bascilica.
Everything about this building is lovely it’s very old & so it exudes Old World Charm.
Loved it.
Written 2 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.

thetravelorganizer
Tega Cay, SC602 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.
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.

James and Sandr... B
Lufkin, TX635 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.

Timothy H
Morton, IL23 contributions
Jul 2023
This is definitely a place you will want to visit. It is a beautiful cathedral that combines southwest themes with traditional catholic architecture. My wife and I also attended Mass and it was a beautiful service that was combined in both English and Spanish.
Written 9 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.

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The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe

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