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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- ArtsyGalBaltimore813 contributionsAmazing Spiritual and Artistic Experience at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Franics of AssisiNo 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 2022Written January 3, 2023
- Kate JMissoula, Montana352 contributionsBeautifulThis 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 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten February 6, 2023
- Amy WPhoenix, Arizona140 contributionsThe Mother ChurchThe 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 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 31, 2023
- runinCODenver, Colorado154 contributionsBeautiful ChurchWe 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 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 8, 2023
- Timothy HMorton, Illinois23 contributionsBeautiful CathedralThis 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 2023Written July 9, 2023
- James and Sandr... BLufkin, Texas635 contributionsVery Impressive ChurchLots 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 2023Written August 19, 2023
- thetravelorganizerTega Cay, South Carolina602 contributionsFree to visit, closed Sunday and Monday; don't miss the Prayer Garden and bronze doorsThe 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 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 21, 2023
- SimonBelfast, United Kingdom173 contributionsStunningAbsolutely 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 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 14, 2023
- GastroEclecticoPhoenix, Arizona803 contributionsHistory, 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 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 23, 2023
- JN-FoodieForeverAustin, Texas348 contributionsA 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 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 3, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
3,999 reviews
Excellent
2,613
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237
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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, CA30 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)
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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, TX15 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
- Hotels near The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi:
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- (0.11 km) Palacio Restaurant
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