The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi

Santa Fe, New Mexico

New MexicoRoadside Attraction

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The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico (more commonly know as Saint Francis Cathedral), is a cornerstone of the city’s rich history and spiritual heritage. Santa Fe was founded in 1610, the same year the first church was constructed on this site. That adobe church was replaced in 1630 by a larger one, which was destroyed during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680.

After the Spaniards regained control of Santa Fe in 1693, rebuilding began in 1714. The new church, named in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, served the city for over 150 years. When the current cathedral was constructed between 1869 and 1886, the older church, known as La Parroquia, was carefully dismantled to make way for the new building. Only a small adobe chapel, dedicated to Our Lady La Conquistadora, was preserved. This chapel holds a statue of the Virgin Mary brought from Spain in 1625, making it the oldest representation of the Virgin Mary in the United States.

Designed by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy, the cathedral is an impressive example of Romanesque Revival architecture. Its round arches, Corinthian columns, and square towers—constructed from yellow limestone quarried near the town of Lamy—stand in stark contrast to Santa Fe’s adobe skyline. Plans for 160-foot steeples were never completed due to financial constraints, leaving the north tower slightly taller than the south. Inside, stained glass windows imported from France depict the Twelve Apostles and a striking rose window dominates the facade.

In 2005, the Cathedral of Saint Francis was officially elevated to a basilica by Pope Benedict XVI, further solidifying its importance in the Catholic community.

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The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi

5 based on 1 reviews

Address:

131 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Hours:

9:30am - 4:00pm (Tuesday - Friday)
9:30am - 5:00pm (Saturday)
8:00am - 12:00pm (Sunday)
Closed (Monday)

Cost:

Free, Donations Accepted

Phone Number:

(505) 982-5619

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Photos of The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico, here are some things to know before you go.

What is the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi?

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santa Fe and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Built between 1869 and 1887 under Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy, the cathedral stands on the site of earlier churches dating back to the early 1600s.

Where is the cathedral located?

The cathedral is located at 131 Cathedral Place in Santa Fe, New Mexico, just a block east of the historic Santa Fe Plaza.

What are the visitor hours?

Visitor hours are generally 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Tuesday through Friday and 9:30 AM ti 3:00 PM Saturday. Mondays the church is closed for maintenance. Visiting hours may be affected by scheduled funerals and weddings.

While the church itself has limited hours for exploring inside, you can stop by to admire the building from the outside any time of day.

Sunday mass is at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Weekday mass is at 7:00 AM.

Is parking available?

For parking around Santa Fe Plaza, look for metered street parking, garages, and lots. The church has a dedicated parking lot for those attending mass.

Where to Stay Near The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest with a stay at one of these Santa Fe hotels near Route 66.

La Fonda on the Plaza

The only hotel located on the Historic Santa Fe Plaza, La Fonda on the Plaza offers a luxurious stay in a convenient location. The 1922 hotel features Southwest-style rooms and suites with hand-painted furniture, original artwork, Nespresso machines, WiFi, and flat screen TVs. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, rooftop hot tub, gym, on-site restaurant, and spa.

El Rey Court

El Rey Court is a boutique Santa Fe hotel that blends vintage charm with modern amenities packaged in a hip adobe roadside motor court. The 1936 motel is located on 5 acres of beautiful gardens, with plenty of spaces to relax and rejuvenate. Save room in your travel itinerary to visit the on-site cocktail bar and chill at the best outdoor pool in Santa Fe (seasonal).

The Mystic Santa Fe (Silver Saddle Motel)

Opened in 1958 the Silver Saddle Motel was a Route 66 institution, offering rooms with Old-West style decor. The property has now been renovated and reimagined as The Mystic Santa Fe. The decor went from kitschy to witchy with new furnishings described as a “magical refuge.” Rooms include complimentary WiFi, bedside USB outlets, 50-inch smart TVs, vintage-style refrigerators, Beekman bath products, and blackout blinds.

Enhance your visit to Santa Fe with a tour! Whether you love walking tours, history, the arts, or a unique experience (like Meow Wolf), there are plenty of options for everyone.

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Attractions Near The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi on Route 66

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Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

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Reviews & Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

1 Review of The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe, New Mexico

  1. What a beautiful church! The building, gardens, and statues are all incredibly impressive. I have yet to get a chance to go inside but I’m sure it’s just as beautiful inside as it is out!

    Reply

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