Cathedral Basilica St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe

Just a block from the main square in Santa Fe is the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. It was built in Romanesque Revival style in the late 19th century out of golden limestone blocks. Its rose window was imported from France. The small round window above it, featuring a dove and added in 2005, is a stained glass replica of a window in St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican. There are two statues out front, one of Saint Francis and one of Saint Kateri, the first Native American saint. Notice that engraved above the main entrance is a Hebrew symbol. Also, see the bronze entry doors with events of the parish carved into the twenty panels.

Inside the cathedral, sit down and take in its wonder. Say a prayer of thanks for your safe and fun travels!  The main nave has the most gorgeous arches and white columns. In the front, there is an altar screen, a reredos, depicting fifteen saints of the New World, with St. Francis in the center. In the side nave, you can light a candle and say a prayer- children love to do this. There is a prayer garden behind the cathedral with fourteen stations of the cross.
Stravinski conducted in this cathedral, four times from 1959 to 1963.
After, walk around Santa Fe admiring the cute adobe houses with their colorful doors and window trims. Loretto Chapel is a three minute walk from the cathedral. Ten minutes will take you to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, where you can admire a little shrine to the Virgin of Gaudalupe.

Directions

Cathedral Basilica St. Francis of Assisi is located at 131 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501. It is free to enter.

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