The churches of New Mexico hold rich designs reflecting local taste, tradition, and resources representing the cultural identity of the community. The adobe churches have been influenced by a variety of factors, including Spanish colonialism, French architecture, and Native American Pueblo Style. I’ve listed a few of the churches in Northern New Mexico. I plan to visit many more!
San Francisco de Asis Mission Church
Located a few miles south of the Taos Pueblo in Ranchos De Taos is the majestic San Francisco de Asis Mission Church. Though sources differ, most site this structure’s origination somewhere between the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. Its beauty has inspired artists for centuries. In fact, the sanctuary was made famous by Georgia O’Keeffe, Ansel Adams and Paul Strand among many others. Georgia O’Keeffe described it as “one of the most beautiful buildings left in the United States by the early Spaniards.” If you are visiting during the spring try to coordinate with the “enjarre”, or re-mud. During this annual ritual the community gathers to help preserve their church by mudding a new layer of adobe on the walls with a mixture of mud and straw.
San Jose de Gracia Church, Las Trampas, NM
Las Trampas is one of a string of villages that sit on the scenic High Road (NM 76) between Santa Fe and Taos. Twelve Spanish Families first settled the area in 1751. The village of Las Trampas was originally built within a defensive wall with low buildings packed around a central plaza. The tight-knit traditional Spanish community flourished for hundreds of years. Within the village is the San José de Gracia Church, one of the most-original and best-preserved examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in New Mexico. Read more from the National Park Service.
San Rafael Mission Church, La Cueva, NM
Located near the Salmon Raspberry Ranch in Mora valley, San Rafael, a beautiful gothic style adobe church, was built from 1862 – 1870 by Vicente Romero on his property. The church was designed by the local French priest, Jean Guerin, who introduced Gothic-type windows, doors and high ceilings. The roof was built by a Belgian contractor using rafters. Both the gothic style and the use of rafters were unheard of in the area. The Romero family probably named the church after their oldest son, Rafael. Read more from the National Park Service.
The Chapel at El Valle de Arroyo Seco
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