The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi Reviews

Staff was very welcoming and informative. They have wonderful exhibits of artwork and sculptures. The ancient artifacts on display may be one of a kind.

We had gone to the History Museum in Santa Fe, and our lecturer mentioned some interesting things to be found in this Cathedral. So we went there next, and couldn't find them. The staff there couldn't have been kinder, walking us around and pointing out everything we were looking for. I'm not a "church sightseer", but this was a wonderful stop with lots of beauty inside and out.

This centuries old church is a must visit no matter your faith. A friendly staff member sits at the front and will happily take you through the history. I attended mass and it was peaceful and warm. The Madonna is worth the visit alone, dating to 1625.

I was here in late June 2021 and returned in late October 2021. Beautiful church and surrounding grounds. A nice peaceful moment with amazing history and relics. Take in the Stations of the Cross garden next to the church.

Easy to reach off the Plaza. But do not be fooled like many - this is St Francis Basilica/Cathedral and NOT Loretto Chapel or San Miguel Mission (the latter are easily walkable from the Plaza).

Be mindful that St Francis is a functioning church/basilica so please be respectful and check the Mass schedule to either avoid the cathedral as a tourist or attend Mass as a faithful Catholic. lol. It is a beautiful place of worship as well as an architectural gem.

I love all churches, so the basilica was another treat for me. But even if seeing a historic church is not on your list of favorites, it is worth seeing. The grounds surrounding the church are full of interesting statues and plaques. Inside the church, as you are facing the altar, don't miss the reliquaries on the left towards the front. There are two reliquaries that actually made me gasp: one with a piece of the true cross, and one with a tiny piece of the Blessed Mother Mary's veil. I am Catholic, and my first reaction was, "Oh come on - no way". But who am I to judge - I don't know the history of how these two pieces came to be at this basilica, but I'm very happy I was able to see them.

The church wasn’t open in the evening but walked around the outside. Beautiful architecture and setting. There’s a nice park next to it to sit and reflect.

Absolutely gorgeous cathedral and very interesting history. So glad that we went - it was later day and we were able to stop in before they closed. Would highly recommend.

Visited the basilica after we passed it on our walking food tour. It was beautiful inside and worth the visit. Inexpensive entrance fee.

Heaven sent that I found this beautiful Church. Very spiritual to be here for Sunday mass. The outdoor courtyard is so beautiful. There was an art Festival in the area.

This church is beautiful. The architecture was gorgeous. Doesn’t matter what religion you are (or not), this is something you need to experience while in Santa Fe. You don’t have to stay long, just walk in and take a peak. Most people took pictures and then went on their way.

We loved our visit to the Cathedral. The stained glass windows, the baptismal, and the history - it’s truly wonderful! Loved the statues on the grounds. Sitting in the pew and taking it all in was an incredible experience! Also lovely gift shop.

A wonderful experience. Just inside the door, turn to your left, and look closely at the painting on the back wall. I knew of the biblical description of this key event. But,this was the first time that I have seen a painting of this particular, and very important, scene from The Garden of Gethsemane. What a PLEASURE!! Come on in, take a seat, listen to the quiet serenity all around. Escape the Secular World just outside the door. Recharge your spiritual battery.

The church is a nice quiet stop to see beautiful Spanish architecture and a piece of history.
This is an active church, so be respectful.

Update September 2024

We had the chance to attend Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis in Santa Fe, NM, and, as always, it was a wonderful experience! The day was sunny and warm and the cathedral grounds were beautiful. The Mass was about 60/40 English and Spanish, an expression of, the local community! So nice… we didn’t have the children’s choir this time, but the adults sounded just as good! LOL Seriously, the music at the Cathedral is one of the best parts os the Mass. It’s obvious the amount of time the music ministry puts in to hone their craft… amazing! The Cathedral is beautiful as well! What a blessing to be able to attend Mass at such an wonderful place! 🙏🙏🙏

September 2023

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.

This is a beautiful historical cathedral in downtown Santa Fe. We were there on a Sunday so we stayed in the lobby to watch some of the mass as the church was packed and enjoyed seeing a service different than our own and the beauty of this church. Definitely worth a visit.

The cathedral is definitely worth a stop in your Santa Fe visit. Just as you won’t miss famous and historical churches abroad, you won’t want to miss one of America’s historical and spiritual gems. The cathedral is breathtaking to just sit in and reflect. The docents are so accommodating and helpful. Light a candle and be sure to add your payer requests to the book in the side nave.

It’s a cathedral like so many others. If you are nearby it doesn’t hurt to stop to take a look. I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way.

We’ve seen some of the Cathedrals In Europe and while it’s not as amazing, it is still worth a visit! It’s a beautiful Cathedral in historic Santa Fe. The perfect place to stop and say a prayer for our many blessings and for family and friends. Wish we had more time to get a thorough tour. Nice gift shop at the front, but very pricey!

This was a beautiful basilica. We wandered the stations of the cross outside and took in the beauty of the building inside. We were amazed at the number of relics that they have in the building, including a piece of the true cross! We also attended mass there. The mass was said in Spanish and English, mostly alternating between the two, but at times sticking with one language. I do not know if this is something that happens at every mass, or if it was because the Spanish festival was taking place that weekend.

There's just something inspiring about this place. It's ornate enough to be beautiful, but still not over the top. I felt like this is a place the common person would be very likely to feel comfortable and close to the Divine.

Absolutely beautiful cathedral! The baptismal font is unique right in the middle of the church. Very nice gift shop attached.

We didn’t spend more than 15 minutes here but it was very beautiful and I took quite a few photos to remember it. The stained glass was memorable, as well as the tiled arches and frescos.

We were very impressed with the beauty of the Basilica, the history of the structure, and the friendly and helpful staff.

We did not attend a mass.

I would highly recommend visiting and is walking distance of the plaza.

Stopped to visit the church and see the grounds. Real reason was to see the carved virgin Mary but the area was closed due to electrical issues. The church and it's history are wonderful.

Very nice old world cathedral. Limited access due to the covid epidemic. Easy to get to and has nearby parking.

Quick stop into church, my friend was curious about my Catholic faith and there was a mass, so it was perfect for a discussion

This place is impressive to say the least. The exterior and interior both are eyeball extravaganzas and photo opportunities abound. The exterior statue garden is also a must see for its powerful sculpture of Jesus' final days.

Pretty spacious old Catholic Church. Marks a unique visiting spot in the beautiful Santa Fe. Tells of the hospitable and generous Christ-like Saints like Francis of Assisi.

Beautiful, historic place, although unlike visiting European cathedrals, this one has many fun elements – like the 500 year old statue of the Virgin who gets dressed up throughout the year in costumes! There are workers there to answer questions. You can light a candle or just marvel at the beauty and creativity of this space. It's also free to visit.

Beautiful church. Stain glass window designs were awesome and the portraits on the ceilings also were cool. Stunning.

Beautiful church. We didn't actually go in, but we enjoyed taking in the beauty and grandeur on the outside. I even walked the labyrinth.

beautiful in every corner. Make sure you go up to the front left side to see the rest of the church. So glad I went.

THIS place is not open on mondays. The schedule here is wrong It seems nice though It’s closed on mondays

Visited here while walking the historic district. Entrance is free, and there are many beautiful stained glass windows and other works of art to see. The baptismal pool is definitely worth seeing.

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.

Take a few minutes and see the church and the grounds, you won't regret it. It's a place for history, architecture and beauty.

For me a church is a church. This is no different to me, but it is beautiful inside as are most older churches. Definitely worth seeing if you walk by it.

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.

I really love spending early Sunday morning in the beautiful prayer garden. The church is a fixture in Santa Fe, but the prayer garden caught me by surprise and I returned later. It;s in important stop when visiting the downtown plaza area..

A beautiful Catholic church. We lucked out, the church was going to be closed for 6-8 weeks to restore the wooden floors the next day. We attended mass as well, but regardless of faith, this was a gorgeous building. The Christmas decorations were still up as well.

This is a very nice cathedral with a large rose. The church has a sculpture of the most venerated Virgin Mary in the US, La Conquistadora. Igor Stravinsky performed at the church during his short tenure as director of the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra. Several paintings have a clear Hispanic influence including the Reredos that depict many saints from the New World. There is a beautiful, xylophone that produces authentic, wonderful sounds. In the gardens, there is recognition of the first Native American Saint Kateri. From outside, the cathedral looks not too big; once inside, it is quite big. The towers are not identical because of financial issues at the time of construction.

Time ago, I stayed at one of the suites in La Fonda, a nearby hotel. From the suite's balcony, the view of the Cathedral is spectacular, perhaps, the best look of the Cathedral.

In hindsight, were it not the to docent who rushed up to us, telling us to look inside the private church services area at the stained glass windows, we would have missed a spectacular trompe l'oeil when St. Peter was reflected between two stained glass windows. What a spectacular memory!

Other key memories were admiring the altar screen and seeing how the church fathers honored the Mohawk Indian woman (Kateri Tekakwitha), who became a saint (1656-1680). She is on the bottom row with an armadillo at her feet and a sheath of corn in her arms. How special is that? A saint that was a native American? But that is what this cathedral is all about: the saints in the New World.

Look in the side chapel, find the burial site for the remains of two missionary priests (one of whom had his bones removed and brought here 127 years after his death elsewhere). This side chapel is the oldest part of the church, dating back to 1717 and was all that remained after the Pueblo Revolt. The statue of the Virgin dates to 1625. A majority of the oil paintings are by famous Southwest artist Miguel Cabrera and date back to the 1700's.

The beautiful stained glass windows of the apostles are French, as is the rose window. The baptismal font is a work of art. Also, 7 archbishops are laid to rest here. The church style is French Romanesque Revival (more simplified) and the spires were never completed due to lack of funds.

Appreciate how different this cathedral is from those in the Old World (i.e. everywhere else but "here" in America). What is "old" for New Mexico's churches dates to 1626-ish and manages to contain a wealth of indigenous culture intermixed with the religion brought from the Old World.

Loved it. Especially those views through the refracted light coming in to the private chapel. This is a very beautiful and a most significant Basilica.

We visited the Cathedral on a Sunday afternoon. The architecture is amazing. The relics are incredible. Take time to read the stories. Ask questions. There is much to see and learn in Santa Fe.

very beautiful interior. one wing is extremely old and adobe structure. it has a statue made in spain in the 1400s brought to santa fe in 1625. yes there is a rose stain window and many others.

The decorative painting design is all by hand and was beautiful! Worth the trip to see. The baptismal was amazing!

Really peaceful gardens with impressively beautiful bronze statues depicting stations of the cross. You should not miss the garden. Building is lovely as well.

Welcoming faith community. There was more English in the Spanish Mass than I'd expected. The Stations of the Cross & murals were gorgeous! This was the perfect place for visitors to worship!

Love going in to old churches when we travel. Walked up to go in here but a man inside said we’d have to wait 10 minutes until the service was over. Waited with many others until the doors opened and all the people left. As I started to go in, a lady stopped me and said the church “is closed now” and I’d have to come back later. Pretty confusing to all of us who had been waiting. I went in quickly to get a peek (and a few pics) and then left.

The cathedral is nicely maintained. The relic of the so called True Cross was a humorous piotistic moment. The saving grace of the place was the wonderful labyrinth out front, and for believers the elegant baptistry.

It was pretty but not stunning. Nice ambience. The ceiling was nice but it was not lavish. Fairly typical as cathedrals go. The staff were very friendly and the courtyard around it is very pleasant.

Don't miss walking the grounds outside, beautiful sculptors abound! The docents inside add to the visit as they share their knowledge. Nice little gift shop also.

It's like they don't know what they have... hardly a mention of the dalle de verre stained glass by Gabriel Loire from Chatres, France. The panes are tucked away in the prayer room. This is the artist who did Thanksgiving Chapel in Dallas. Of course, the rest of the cathedral is worth a visit too!

It really amazes me how beautiful these Basilica's are. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis didn't disappoint, the workmanship is just amazing!

We were walking around the Plaza in Santa Fe and a few friends in our group wanted to fil a small bottle with Holy Water to use in ceremony. When we attended the Basilica - we were greeted very pleasantly and cordially and when asked from where we’re traveling from - the staff gave us a very informative, very thorough & very pleasant guided tour of the Basilica. So tranquil and enlightening. Definitely a “must do” when in the area.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or (like me) a frequent visitor, this is a must-do visit. It’s beautiful, of course, but it speaks so clearly to the history and culture of Santa Fe. It’s only a block off the Plaza so is very convenient. Lots of beautiful sculpture around it and sometimes art exhibitions in the side yard. Always a beautiful golden glow on the facade as sunset comes to Santa Fe. No trip to Santa Fe is complete without a stop at the cathedral.

The Cathedral has history with the first church built by Franciscan Friars who came to New Mexico as early as 1598 , the year Santa Fe wa established in 1610. The current church was completed at the same location in 1887. An impressive structure.

We walked around this church and took some pictures for about 5-10 minutes. Since there was a mass going on, visitors were not allowed in. We came back in the afternoon since our hotel was just 2 minutes walk to here, we walked inside and took some pictures as other visitors did.

If u are in Santa Fe on a Sunday morning, take some time from your lovely vacation to attend Mass. We are Catholic, however, even if u are not, you will likely walk away with a feeling of gratitude! The Mass is half English and half Spanish. Beautiful music and different choice of songs than what we are used to at home. A wonderful setting… coming out the church doors after Mass and looking over the Santa Fe skyline was a wonderful feeling that I hope you can enjoy.

We visited A LOT of churches in the Santa Fe area. I recommend all of them. They are all beautiful, full of history and unique in their own rite.

Really gorgeous church. Both the architecture and the artwork is stunning. There is also a lot of history including the oldest statue of the Virgin Mary in North America.

If you're in Sante Fe there is no reason to not come and view this lovely church and the fabulous stair-case and it's history.

We were disappointed because it was closed beyond about 10’ of the entrance. It doesn’t feel old because it has been renovated to look new. Gift shop was extremely strict about the masks covering mouth and nose.

We stay at the Drury Inn and walked to St Francis, I havent been there since I was a kid and that was quite a time ago.. But the beauty of the church is still the same as it was back then. I sat down and looked at the stain glass of the images and just remembering the time i was there when I was younger. The greeter was very nice and gave information. Over all nice place to visit and will return during the summer time.

Beautiful church and gift shop. Well-maintained church and grounds bought several gifts inside. Employees were very nice and gave suggestions for lunch

This is a very nice, smaller Romanesque Revival cathedral. It has a lovely setting at the end of a street right off the plaza with the mountains in the distance behind. It is open to the public but can be thronged with tourists. It also has a small park with it.

This Cathedral is about a block from the Loretto Chapel. It is a lovely cathedral, worth a visit. And they have a very nice gift shop.

There is so much history in Santa Fe and the Cathedral did not dissappoint. Although it was not open to go inside, due to a private function, you could see in through the door to get a very good view.

Beautiful basilica - was great to see the colourful touches on typical church architecture, really making it special. Lots of stunning stained glass windows add to the feel of the church. Is a working church so is important to be respectful if taking photos. Free to visit.

Such a charming and elegant church in the heart of Santa Fe. When walking through the city, be sure to venture inside and take note of its amazing architecture and history.

My soul was renewed. This stunning church enables peace as you settle in your pew and take in the beauty all around you. I loved the handbell ensemble, I loved the procession with the crucifix that carried the Santa Fe culture, I loved the Spanish/English Mass. The stations of the cross were fabulous and the 'drawn curtain" made me feel I was given a front row seat to the events of this most important day on earth. Hope they are Holy Ghosts! LOL

This is just a beautiful old church inside and out. It was very inspiring to visit. Sometime I'd like to go to mass there. Beautiful decor, well maintained, and some interesting historical displays. We were there on a nice, sunny morning which really highlighted the stained glass. Also, the grounds are lovely and it was very pleasant to explore them, enjoy the sunshine, and take in the surrounding scenery.

This cathedral is one of the more beautiful we have seen in the US. The setting at the end of the plaza, with a nice park next to it, is very picturesque and relaxing.

The interior is also beautiful, and a peaceful place to sit for awhile, and take it all in. It has been carefully and lovingly restored, and is obviously well maintained.

We had been trying to tour the Cathedral for the past several days. They were doing repairs to the large hanging lights in the sanctuary so all we could do is look through the doors. I really wanted to tour the Cathedral. So I cajoled my wife into dropping by after breakfast. They were all done with their lighting repairs and all was put back in place so that people could tour the building. And it’s a magnificent building. Just think, the Cathedral was built over 150 years ago. It is magnificent. And so un-Santa Fe. To think of it, the architecture is classically other places. It sits out in some ways like a sore thumb compared to the pueblo-type architecture of Santa Fe. But it’s beautiful and is a magnificent addition to Santa Fe.

The interior is so full of meaning and religious artifacts that it takes a while to understand it all. We've been to the Cathedral a number of times and never tire of it.

Unbelievable architecture and artwork. Definitely worth the time if you're in the square. The people are very warm and welcoming.

We had a wonderful time walking around Santa Fe, it's a beautiful city! Awesome shops and restaurants, the oldest house and church, and live music in the city center.

Beautiful cathedral. Nice place to stop and spend some contemplative time. The stations of the cross are depicted in paintings done in a naive style. The ceiling is beautiful and colorful. The "new" pews fit in well.

This is a beautiful cathedral in a beautiful location that is well worth the time to visit. I found it to be intimate and iconic.

This beautiful cathedral has some fascinating history and outside of the cathedral, there is a meditative prayer labyrinth that visitors are welcome to walk. I had just lost a dear friend, and it was a surprising feature to discover at a traditional cathedral.

I love churches and always include visits to them when I travel. This one was truly beautiful. I felt the faith entwined with the local history and culture.

Wondering through the grounds and the church was a great experience. Certainly as a Catholic it was a moving experience/

At first glance, this is kind of like a mini Notre Dame, but a visit is in no way a second string event. It is clear that tremendous thought was put into every aspect of this wonderful building and its appointments. This is the number one must see in Santa Fe, and for very good reason.

The grounds are open at all times during the day, however the interior is only available during Mass, for which a reservation is required. The grounds are peaceful with several statues to St. Francis as well as other local saints and Our Lady. A lovely spot for meditation in these difficult times.

This spectacular old cathedral sits at one end of the plaza in the old town. The architecture is spectacular, with some sculptures outside as well as an adjoining shaded green with historic markers of interest. The cathedral was open during the day, welcoming visitors and worshippers. No camera flash allowed inside and lots of stained glass and craftsmanship.

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.

It was closed due to the Pandemic but we walked around and it’s a beautiful well kept church with a lifesize Stations of the Criss in the garden; we didn’t get to walk through it but we looked through the fence.

Very beautiful and strategically located. He has appeared in many films. Don't miss seeing the statue of São Francisco dancing, it's in the courtyard behind the church.

What a beautiful cathedral! It is a joy to see it as you walk down the boulevard and when you hear the bells toll. I felt at peace and recommend a visit to all.

We visited on Sunday and could not enter due to services. However, it is a beautiful cathedral and has a lovely flower garden on the side.

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.

Very beautiful. You just looked from the outside and checked out their garden area and I wanted to look inside but they were closed already so didn’t get a chance to see maybe next trip I’ll get to see it inside.

We experienced such beautiful music in such a beautiful Basilica. The entire experience was wonderful.

Very limited hours. Very annoying. A church is an easy area to social distance. New Mexico needs to open up. Many stores are shut down or operating at a bare minimum. People are well educated about the virus. Let people choose for themselves. Even the hotels are stretched thin with staff.

it is awesome and was a very informative and easy tour fantastic if your disabled easy access it is fantastic

Wonderful Catholic church!! The cathedral is beautifully constructed. Highly recommend stopping by this blessed Basilica Cathedral!

We always try to attend mass at this Basilica. The church is very beautiful and peaceful. The interior appears to have been remodeled sometime in the 70's or 80's.

We visited on a Monday afternoon and it was really busy. We enjoyed the art and how awesome it looks inside and out. It made me feel very peaceful!

Spent a little time in this church!
Attended mass and received.....
Definitely a locally attended and loved parish!

A building with beautiful architecture. The outside has some interesting statues including one of an Indian woman holding a feather who was the first American Indian saint. The bronze entrance doors have many panels showing the history of the church in Santa Fe. There is a Hebrew inscription at the top of the arch over the entrance of the cathedral designating the name of God so look for that.
Inside there are lovely stained glass windows an a huge baptismal font in the center of the church.

Place is just breathtaking. Surrounding the cathedral are great sculptures and fountains that just beg their pictures to be taken. So many great pieces around. My friend and I just went around the cathedral snapping pictures after pictures.

Very beautiful church. Very well maintained. Awesome architecture. There were many visitors that were not courtesy or respectful in a sacred setting.

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.

I liked the Loretta Chapel better, but the stairs outside this place off the first Native American saint was cool! It was worth sticking our head into in order to see the art, and architecture. But, ive been to bigger, more artistic cathedrals in Europe, so I was a little underwhelmed. Nice though.

Amazing architecture inside and out. It is free to enter (unlike another chapel around the corner), so definitely worth a quick trip whether you are religious or not. They have a few other things to check out on the property too.

There were so many pretty features. An active church so would be a lovely place to attend a service. The grounds were pretty with lots of benches to rest on.

This chuch is a beautiful building, the doors in the front are insane! Then you go inside and get wowed even more. There were volunteers inside making sure everybody was masked you are allowed to take pictures which was nice. We walked around outside as well. My husband and I both did the Labyrinth, I wonder if people thought we were crazy walking in circles haha! It was pretty fun and gets you a bunch of steps for the day! The only thing I didn't like was in the gift shop they had things for sale like hand sanitizer with religious figures on the labels. Trying to profit off of a pandemic seems very un-religious to me. Anything to make money I guess!

Stunningly beautiful edifice filled with much interesting history. Relic of St. Francis. A docent can answer all of your questions.

Built to last 100s of years, this Church is another example of a rich tradition built by early settlers who only had their faith. I was most intrigued by the statue in the courtyard of the first Native American to be promoted to sainthood. Kateri Tekakwitha who has reported miracles of healing as recent as 2006.

Christmas decorations were still up when we were there. Beautiful church. Great place to pray and find quiet.

It is such a beautiful church. You can feel the history when you attend Mass there. The young people in the choir take turns singing solos in Spanish and in English.

The Cathedral is really nice and worth a visit. The statue of Mary is the oldest know one in North America. Spending 60-90 minutes there is all it takes to see it all.

We walked the grounds of the Basilica on our recent trip the Santa Fe. Parking can be difficult in this busy part of town. You can walk onto the grounds with a fee. The front grounds have beautiful statues including St. Francis and St. Kateri. There is also a water sculpture which serves as a memorial for Covid victims. The cathedral is next to a garden area which you can walk around and sit in. We were unable to go inside when we visited.

A really cool church with my favorite saint. If u park in the lot here u will be within walking distance of a ton of attractions. You're welcome!

This is a very attractive old church that warrants a 15 minute look. They have spots to light candles for loved ones.

Beautiful building and great interior. The nave and altar are very beautiful. Well worth a visit while in Santa Fe

There is a large statue of the first Native American Saint out front. Her name is on a very small plaque hidden behind plants. Seriously?? Typical Catholic church with stained glass windows and morbid crucification scenarios. I didn't see any mention of the help provided by the Jewish community to finish the towers; or why one tower is taller than the other; or the Hebrew greeting above the entrance.

This is a beautiful cathedral that has some lovely reredos with St. Francis surrounded by saints of the New World. It is walking distance from the square and a wonderful addition to any trip.

So glad we made time for this it is just beautiful an full of history. Nice tour guide on paper an people we very nice an informative.

It is a beautiful church, with its inspirational stained glass windows, grand arches and baptismal. Then there was the docent, Mary, who made our visit very special, by giving us a personal tour that was educational, explaining about La Conquistadora, learning the history of how it became a Basilica, the history of the relics, the history of the stained glass windows especially the story of La Conquistadora, how she is cared for, the celebrations that are around her. There was so much more. It was a sacred visit and we felt so connected to the cathedral and the holy spirit residing here. Thank you for a supernatural experience.

If you can join a tour of the cathedral it is well worth the time spent.

Second time to this Cathedral and it is worth it. It is a beautiful historic place to stop for prayer and quiet time. When you are visiting the downtown plaza area it is an important stop. Also free to visit.

My wife and I stopped inside on a cold and rainy day. We weren't sure if it would be open. A beautiful and bright sanctuary. Peaceful and inspiring.

This is a decent representation of southwestern Romanesque architecture, but not much to write about especially if you have been to Europe and seen the cathedrals there. Better is the old church of San Miguel. Loretto Chapel is a "museum" not an operating church.

We made a quick visit to the St. Francis Cathedral during our visit to Santa Fe. The church is located on the end of the San Francisco St. in old town. It was a beautiful historic church in an outstanding and commanding location. Recommended.

This was a beautiful Cathedral. They were having a funeral at the time and so we didn't get to go inside the church. We did enjoy shopping in the gift shop and the gentleman behind the counter was so helpful and nice. They had a lot of unique items and gifts in the gift shop.

The Cathedral is open for Mass again, both weekdays and weekends. A very beautiful church with an incredible history. Easter vigil Mass is one of the most inspiring and spiritual services I have ever attended.

Beautiful French Romanesque Cathedral surrounded by fountains and gardens. A short walk from Santa Fe Plaza, ending your busy day in Santa Fe here is an excellent choice. East-facing, the glow of the sun setting against the building is a memorable sight. There were no concerts scheduled during our stay, but check out the website to see if you can attend one. Amazing acoustics. AD access is challenging here, as is the case in downtown Santa Fe generally.

Attended mass here. Beautiful grounds. Parishioners very welcoming. We attended the native Americans service. Wonderful traditional music. Packed house. Picturesque. Worth a visit

Take a walk inside the pretty cathedral and be sure to appreciate the gorgeous stained glass. At the front, turn right to find the chapel. On the way to the chapel, look up to the right to see an impressive carving of Christ on the cross -- beautifully executed and nicely lit. A nice statue of St. Francis stands on the front lawn.

The Cathedral is absolutely amazing. The beauty is inside and out. We were created by someone who was very friendly and so knowledgeable named Michael. He added to our experience at the Cathedral by telling us so many facts about it. It’s a must see in Santa Fe.

Limited access due to maintenance work being done but what we could see was impressive. Beautiful architecture and finishing, that we could see.

Nice to take peek at the architecture inside. Close to the plaza as well. Just be respectful as it is still a house of worship.

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.

Uniquely beautiful architectural design. Wonderfully preserved and maintained. Stained glass windows are likewise beautiful. Enter, sit and feel the peace.

This is a must see if you’re spending time in Santa Fe. It’s a beautiful Cathedral! I have visited this cathedral many times and I have never been disappointed when visiting this church. The stained glass windows are amazing. Also the prayer garden outside is a peaceful little place to pray and reflect.

this church is beautiful and certainly historic for Santa Fe. It's great that it was open. We'll probably go back to spend more time here.

Although I have taken quite a distance of religion, still enjoy visiting religious buildings if not for the rich history

This is an amazing example of conviction to faith. Beautiful carvings, frescos, and stained glass. There are docents available to share the secrets of the Basilica and provide explanations to non-Catholics.

Beautiful church with amazing glass windows and spectacular wood furnishings . A definitely a must see when visiting Sante Fe.

We visit a lot of churches and this was nothing special. We asked some questions of a docent and were treated as if we were intrrupting him. Might be alright for services, not as a tourist interested in churches.

Really beautiful. Nice service. We went at Christmas. It was very special. I am a former Catholic turned Lutheran but I felt very welcomed and the choir was amazing. The Padre was not just repeating words. He wanted to share a more personal message from his heart. I felt everyone did an amazing job.

They closed the door in my face at 455pm so make sure you get there a bit earlier if you want to go in. Not going to lie, I was disappointed, I try to light a candle for my grandma when I travel, and I didn't look at the times that it was open to the public before I tried to visit. I ended up walking the labyrinth that is in the courtyard and that was very good.

Difficult to figure out when to visit. Called and was given hours that weren’t correct. Went when there was a funeral. Came back and guard at door preventing admission or maybe only preventing if unmasked. Simple yet elegant inside. The statues outside are worth looking at as they are detailed.

This is such an amazing place. The history is so interesting. There is a small prayer garden around the back that offers a couple of benches. The bells toll and the surrounding park area is lovely.

Very ornate with beautiful stain glass windows. Lots to photograph and there is no admission. To get a good photo of the church you have to go across the street which is rather busy.

If you like history this is a must see. A good example of southwest architecture as well. Inside was quiet and reverent and peaceful, even in the summer.

A beautiful and peaceful cathedral. Nice place to escape and relax after shopping and sightseeing. What a blessing!

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.

A beautiful well preserved cathedral in downtown Santa Fe. No charge to visit the cathedral. There are two docents available to answer questions and offer information.

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.

The light from the stained glass is just amazing as it highlights the altar and main seating area.

Worth a visit if in Santa Fe.

A good walk around the heart of Santa Fe where the church, restaurants and hotels are at it's finest. Check schedules for English and Spanish mass.

This is a beautiful Cathedral and is free to enter (donations are accepted). The interior of the church is quite remarkable. The park area outside of the church is a lovely place to sit and relax. Be sure to read the signs, which tell about the history of the church and the area. The signs are near the sculpture in the park.

A beautiful church. It took me by surprise as I was not expecting to see such a wonderful place like this in Sante Fe. I thought it was very nice they welcome you in and you can walk around.. It was stunning. A great place to stop. It's good for the soul.

The four of us thoroughly enjoyed visiting this chapel. Take the time to listen to the receptionist’s story of the history of this beautiful Cathedral. The stain glass is spectacular and you will want to know how they brought it to Santa Fe. It is a beautiful part of the history in the settlement of Santa Fe. This is right in the center of Old Town. It is an easy walk while you enjoy the many shops, vendors, artists and restaurants. The guide (receptionist) was very knowledgeable about all of the aspects of the Cathedral.

Another beautiful church in Santa fe. Wonderful history and awesome staff. Will listen to questions. Will recommend

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.

Try to go when the gift shop is open in the vestibule. They have many nice gifts. It is a perfect spot to stop and meditate.

Absolutely gorgeous and intricately-designed cathedral that commands reverence and awe. Classical architecture in every nook and cranny. Truly worth the time to see!

Beautiful place. Quick visit but very pretty. Not for kids. We were able to take pictures. Nice visit.

This is a beautiful cathedral and plays an important part in the history and life of Santa Fe. The people that volunteer and work there are very kind and helpful.

The Cathedral provided a peaceful respite from the stores and crowds of Santa Fe. The staff was well informed and provided a great recap of the history of the site.

Plan on spending an hour taking everything. A tremendous amount of workmanship and art in this. Very spectacular church.

Due to Covid-19, we were unable to enter the inside of the church. However, we did walk the lovely grounds and took some nice pictures.

The outside was lovely, with nice garden to walk through. But in our 4 days in Santa Fe, it was locked everyday, except for one. We weren’t downtown that day.

Take the time to see this beautiful chapel when you visit Santa Fe! There aren't many chapels that are this amazing.

My husband and I went to The Cathedral Basilica on a Sunday afternoon around 4 pm. The church was locked probably due to Covid-19. The beautiful 1886 church has nice statues in the front, is next door to Cathedral Park and only 1 block from the downtown plaza. One of these days, I am going to get a look inside. We spent about 10 minutes looking around the outside.

Beautiful church. Priest was great. Sound system was not good. But it doesn't matter when you are there to pray.

Enjoyed our visit to The beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Also attended Mass there during our visit. Very welcoming to visitors as the priest asked how many attending were tourists (and its was most of the congregation).

Beautiful, peaceful Basilica in downtown Santa Fe. Stained glass was beautiful and there was a prayer garden in the back with statues of each station of the cross.

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!

We always enjoy going inside the cathedral. Beautiful decor and a nice gift shop with friendly, helpful staff. The location one block from the plaza makes it a must see when in Santa Fe.

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.

Absolutely stunning! And so peaceful I can't wait to return. It smells interesting and its very very charming.

This afternoon we have plenty of time to visit Santa Fe and we start at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi where Pope Benedict XVI had come to visit in October 2005.

This was a beautiful and historic old church. Would definitely recommend a visit. Has a nice gift shop also.

Downtown and close to the Plaza it was easy to stop by here and I'm glad we did. The church was beautiful but we found it odd that a large portion of the floor was covered in what looked like cheap old fashioned kitchen linoleum.

Neither my husband or I got a spiritual feel here even though St. Francis is my favorite saint. It felt rather cold and sterile. The placement of the greeting area felt like an entertainment venue and the gift shop seemed a little too obvious.

From a previous visit, I seem to remember a statue of St Francis outside with a depiction of his "Sermon to the Birds" and actual birds were magically all around it. I didn't see that this time. I think something had been changed or moved.

For a more spiritual, warmer environment, I recommend the Loretto Chapel also downtown Santa Fe. However I cannot say enough about Sancturario De Chimayo in the mountains north of Santa Fe. The Spanish, Native American, healing, spirituality of the place is well worth the drive.

This church certainly reminded us of the churches we have visited in Europe. The structure is typical of Catholic churches. They have done a great job maintaining and restoring the church. Definitely worth a look.

Spend a quiet moment in St. Francis. Visit the gardens and reflect. Be sure and visit the joyful statue of St. Francis in the side garden. You can't help but smile. Such reverence and joy in the heart of the city.

This church is stunning. One the day we visited, many visitors were engaged in prayer, so please be quiet and respectful! Two church decons were available and very friendly and welcoming of visitors. Saint Francis of Assisi is a saint associated with animals, and sometimes dogs are allowed at the church, so definitely check with them if you are interested in bringing your pet.

Return visit for me and love this cathedral. The architecture is amazing, loved walking around inside and outside in the garden. Lovely serene escape from the outside.

First time to this Cathedral and it is worth it. I've been to Santa Fe a lot, but somehow have never been by here. The place is beautiful! The statue park is awesome!

This is a quick stop when you are meandering downtown. The cathedral is quit historic and tours are offered. There is a ovely garden out back with statues of the stations of the cross. It is a lovely place to relax.

Sucha beautiful cathedral. The history, the stone work by Italians, the decor by the French, all just breathtaking. The docent's do a wonderful job of telling you the history both ancient and present. Unfrotunatley it has a tale of abuse and persecution of the natives that woudl not worship this religion.

Beautiful place to stop in, see the architecture and decor, say a prayer, light a candle, and just enjoy being in the house of God.

Beautiful cathedral, loved it! The public can light a candle for $1, the pews were blocked off so can't sit just walk through.

The area of Santa Fe has many missions and Catholic Churches to visit and all are worth the time. The Beautiful St. Francis of Assisi was so interesting and there was a priest there who took us around and told us stories about St. Francis. He showed us art works that are there and we were able to talk to him for awhile. We left feeling very good about the area and all of the missions and churches.

The two churches dedicated to St Francis are wonderful. Frescoes, architecture, and the general tranquil feeling are relaxing and awe inspiring. Attended a Sunday morning Mass, also. Wonderful music with many fellow believers left me spiritually refreshed.
But there are two other churches to be seen at the other end of twin; ‘Sta. Clara’s’ and San Rufino. Both are to be experienced in their own ways.
Add to that the spectacular vistas, great food, even better local wines, some good shopping ( buy quality not touristy junk) and hospitable people and you have a HIT!
Bring your walking shoes and prepare for a cardio/leg workout. Flat walking is in very short supply.
Assisi is worth the effort.

Impressive cathedral in the old part of town, worth viewing. Easy walk from anywhere downtown. Great architecture.

Beautiful Santa Fe beautiful Bascilica.
Everything about this building is lovely it’s very old & so it exudes Old World Charm.
Loved it.

I visited Santa Fe recently and stopped in to look at the cathedral, built in the 1800s. It's in a very convenient location, just a block from the Plaza. Built in the 1800s, The facade is impressive with its twin bell towers. The spacious and bright interior is even more impressive, built a neo-Romanesque style. There are numerous stained glass windows that are quite beautiful. It doesn't take very long to take a look through the cathedral building, and I'd say that this is one of Santa Fe's most impressive sights.

Visit for at least 15 minutes if you are not "churched out". You can sit and be thankful.

Simple beauty with some noteworthy items. Blessed Virgin Mary statue central to the reredos reportedly dates from the 1400s and was brought here in 1625 and the oldest statue of Mary in the US. Besides the statue of St. Francis at the entrance, to the left is a statue of the first Native American Saint, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the patroness of ecology and the environment.

The cathedral is fabulous. We self- toured it with a paper guide. The Docent was very welcoming and knowledgeable. Having missed mass on Sunday, we learned the cathedral has an evening mass in the chapel. This was great! Handicap accessible.

Thank you Sante Fe for all your beautiful art galleries, museums and the amazing jewelry and pottery sold by Native American artists in front of the Palace of the Governor . Beautiful time of year to enjoy walking in the plaza eating excellent Mexican food. Plenty of parking lots so we stayed about 15 minutes from downtown and it worked out so well! Also, enjoyed time at Museum Hill! Have to go back because two full days was not enough.

Beautiful grounds area and inside of church. Literature is available to self guide you through the church. The are many things to see within the church. Rose stained glass, the baptismal font, the architecture of the church. There’s also a statue dating from 1600’s are guides to answer your questions.

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.

Side Note: During our visit we did not visit the interior of the building due to mass being held. The courtyard/entrance area is breathtaking. The church is located in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Plenty of shopping and restaurants in the area.

This French style cathedral was built in the 1800s under Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy's (Read Willa Cather's, Death Comes for the Archbishop) direction. The colors used on the interior of the cathedral are vibrant and fresh. When services are not being held, tours are available. Be sure to visit the Meditation Garden to see the bronze sculptures powerfully depicting the Stations of the Cross.

So thrilled to get a chance to visit this magnificent Basilica. It was stunning and to sit inside the quiet was a true gift. Stained glass windows along the side were just beautiful. To hear the history was amazing. A must see treasure in Santa Fe.

When you’re enjoying Santa Fe do try to get over to this church, particularly during the day to enjoy the Sun shining through their stained glass.
Note the baptismal pool in the middle of the church, as well as how wonderfully they’ve maintained this well over one hundred year old church. Really so worth your time.
Don’t miss their new Organ should you have the chance to hear it, as well as the Chapel for Prayer that is off to the RIght of the main Alter.
All the Best, Salida1048

We attended mass here during the weekend of Festival. It was beautiful. We especially enjoyed the music which featured English and Spanish alternating languages. This area is so rich in history that we very much enjoyed the area. The Cathedral is beautiful.

It’s hard to miss the Cathedral since it’s right smack in the middle of the historic few blocks of Santa Fe. As expected in cathedrals, there is true beauty in such a regal building. It’s not a long visit unless you’re visiting it as a religious experience, but the beauty is something everyone should see.

The grounds are lovely and the mass was nice, but be very careful parking here. The sign on the street says free parking, but we found out the hard way that it’s ONLY free during mass. The church charges $10 to park here, but you won’t see that posted. The meters on the street are free on Sunday, but the church lot is NOT free. If you do decide to park here, be sure and stop at the booth and try to get their attention. If you don’t go to the booth and purchase a ticket, the church will boot you and will charge you and your group $100 per vehicle to remove the boot.

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.

There has been a church on this site almost since Santa Fe began in 1610 and this is the latest rendition, built in the 1800s. It is beautiful, especially inside with the altar decorations and the stations down the side of the church done by local artists. There are several very pleasant docents stationed at various places to give some information about what you are viewing. It is well worth a visit.

You cannot visit Santa Fe without visiting this beautiful, peaceful, Catholic Basilica, a place with special privileges conferred upon it by the Pope.

We were fortunate to be visiting while they were in the middle of an opera performance--according to the person who let us in, they were warming up for a Santa Fe Opera performance that evening. He let us slip in and hear the rest of it, and it was truly wonderful. The accoustics weren't the best for opera there, but the performers were great and it was quite a treat. The interior was beautiful and the garden were quite lovely.

You get transported back in time when you visit this site. It is huge and has a south west feel . It is surrounding the square.

We stayed next door at La Fonda and always enjoy hearing the bells ring every 15 minutes throughout the day. We went in to sit peacefully and a priest was delivering a sermon to parishioners grieving over a loved one who had just passed. I've read that this is not a Catholic Church so my terminology is likely incorrect; nevertheless, we sat peacefully for nearly 30 minutes as folks entered and also sat quietly. The building is beautiful and sits at the end of San Francisco Street. Definitely worth a visit to sit and listen, contemplate or look at the architecture and beautiful grounds.

Lovely church with some history. Nice to walk through and see the stained glass and some of the church's relics.

Attended noon mass in English, Spanish and Latin all in one! What a tremendous spiritual experience! Afterward a docent explain the Reredos(Altar Screen) fifteen saint wood carvings behind the Altar. We walked around the grounds and the Artisans are in the Santa Fe Park selling their jewelry,crafts, and art works. Beautiful way to start Sunday afternoon in the park!

The cathedral is very impressive and well worth visiting. There is an unusual altar with paintings of saints. The baptismal font also has a small pool next to it.
There are statues of St. Francis and the first Native American saint, Kateri Tekawitha. There's an interesting labyrinth for praying and I suppose finding the right path.

This place is very spiritual. Has a great energy and loves going to mass here. The outside features beautiful gardens and a very nice park. Even if you are not very religious you will enjoy the art and architecture of this beautiful gothic 19th century basilica.

Free entry to a historic and beautiful church, bordered by green space and statutes. Worth a visit. . .

Very interesting beautiful stained glass windows. You must go on the side by the alter to see the wood beam ceiling and all the different relics on displayed.

Love cathedrals and this one did not disappoint. Beautiful architectural inside and out. Very helpful staff

Take your time at this basilica. I enjoyed speaking to the very knowledgable docents. These volunteers have studied the area and this very beautiful active church.

Especially beautiful during the Christmas holiday season . We were fortunate it was not crowded and it was sunny. The stain glass is beautiful - relatively quite and peaceful . Enjoy the church bells !

Imposing facade, one tacky statue right at the entrance, lovely garden and rather unappealing interior. I have seen countless cathedrals in my life in Europe and this one grossly pales in comparison to them. Could be important for a religious person but not for me - no architecture to marvel.

Free entrance and lots of beautiful paintings and woodwork. They are having construction so most of the area was blocked off and views were limited. Still very pretty and nice to see.

Churches, Cathedrals and Basilicas come in all shapes and sizes. This one was very pleasant, with well preserved artwork and other pieces. It’s elevation to “minor”
basilica is noted on a plaque which helps explain this to non experts.

Walking around Santa Fe, you need quiet places. I find this in this park and in the basilica. This space brings all people together.

Wow what a place to see, my wife really loved it. We felt very spiritual that day. It’s a peaceful place.

We visited the cathedral when things were mostly shut down for Covid, but we were able to view the beautiful exterior and to enjoy walking around the peaceful grounds. We hope to return someday when the interior is open, but for now we enjoyed seeing it and learning a little from the exterior monuments and signs.

Lovely place to pause and enjoy the light from the stained glass windows as it travels across the room. The gardens are really peaceful and restful.

Architecturally speaking this is an impressive, beautiful building. Inside, I would have expected it to be more elaborate but there is still a naivety that is quite charming...

Refreshingly modern church built in the second half of the 19th century. The altar screen is from the 1980s.

I enjoyed visiting this beautiful site. My only regret is that I did not check the hours in which you can enter and I missed going inside. But I definitely recommend going to see it.

Must see! The Fall foliage adds to the atmosphere! The bells, the fact that is an active church where you can goto mass is captivating. You can picture yourself there a hundred years ago! Just beautiful!

Nice grounds around the Cathedral (look for the labyrinth in the courtyard), and a well kept interior, but nothing special from a tourist standpoint.

The docent was so knowledgeable! It is an unforgettable stop. The grounds ..with Gib Singletons' phenomenal bronze statues @ the Stations of the Cross in the prayer garden. The peace & solitude. The "simple" cathedrals beginning. The hand painted frescoes .

The Basilica is beautiful, a sacred space. Stained glass window are stunning. If you've read Willa Cather's Death Comes for the Archbishop you must see this cathedral that was the title character's creation.

The outside of this cathedral is the most interesting with contemporary sculptures. The inside has the flavor of Santa Fe culture and history.

Gorgeous cathedral. Recommend doing the formal tour. Parking garage nearby. Walking distance from the plaza.

Stopped at the Cathedral to admire the history and attend Mass last Saturday. Loved the architecture and history as well as service. Glad I went.

If you are strolling the square don't miss the chance to check out this beautiful old church, great architecture and history!

We loved this stunning and beautiful basilica and enjoyed its history and beautiful stained glass. The reliquary and Stations of the Cross prayer garden were absolutely inspiring! What a blessing!

In my opinion, the cathedral is the highlight of the entire downtown area of Santa Fe. Apart from that, there isn't really much to see apart from countless shops! You can park behind the church for 10 USD! Well, if you're in the city!

While wandering around the city on our first day, we happened upon the Cathedral. Neither of my companions were Catholic, and I am lapsed (now Unitarian), but I can't resist a visit to a lovely church. The basilica did not disappoint.

It is a serene and lovely place. But the stained glass is just stunning. Please do stop by for a look.

A very beautiful Cathedral. Wonderful icons. Mass was also little, if a bit “progressive”. A trip here counts as a pilgrimage. Recommended.

Stop in, view beautiful windows, architecture, and please say prayers for our country to ‘correct itself’ with new leadership. Please!

My wife and I were visiting old town Santa Fe and stopped in for a visit. This is a beautiful basilica. You feel the overwhelming presence of an Almighty when you're here. Make sure to visit the garden next door to learn a brief history of the city.

This is located in a beautiful location and worth the stop. While not huge, it is beautiful and has a wonderful history. We were in the Plaza area and stopped in. There is no entrance fee, but donations are always welcomed.

Very pretty historic church. I was especially fascinated by the old section that had been incorporated into the “new” church.

My husband and I attended the 10:00 Sunday mass at the basilica. The mass was celebrated in Spanish and English and the music beautiful. The baptismal font Is definitely something you should not miss. And my husband was delighted, they served donuts after mass.

I attended the 11:00 AM mass at this stately cathedral. The Romanesque Revival architecture is a striking and lovely contrast to the predominant Pueblo style around the plaza. Make sure to check out the lovely park next door.

Worth a quick inside look at the architecture, windows and the cultural history. Docent on Feb 22 was very kind and helpful to show us the reflected colors from the windows on the inside pillars.

Beautiful. If you enjoy history or architecture this is a must. Not Catholic so I wasn't too familiar with everything but it was a treat.

The Cathedral and adjacent Cathedral Park are iconic landmarks of Santa Fe. The nicest of quite a few old churches which we visited in New Mexico.

We live here and we travel a lot. It was amazing to us to see the inside of this Cathedral. It felt like an old world Cathedral as though it had been transported from Budapest or Prague.

Take a minute out of your day to walk inside - light a candle for those who have gone before you.

Don't miss the statues out front!

its worth a visit when strolling downtown of Santa Fe. Face mask is required to enter. There's a bookstore/gift shop inside entrance.

A pleasant visit to a beautiful church. Volunteers are available to answer any questions you may have. This church embraces the culture of this area.

Beautiful, tranquil and peaceful. The fountain in the center was lovely to sit next to and reflect and read.

With gratitude,
Lipstick Warriors

The Cathedral has an amazing history and its truely beautiful. The story of La Conquistadora is amazing. We happened to meet the Madonnas care taker and she generously told us some of the unwritten history of the Madonna. We were permitted to a peek into the Madonnas closet containing more that 300 outfits made by people all over the world. Truely a magical, spiritual experince.

The Church was established in 1610, with the Cathedral dedicated in 1886.......pretty historic!

The interior is, as expected, large. I really liked the Stations of the Cross, the Rose Window, and the stained glass. Well, I also liked the Main Altar and the side Altars. What's not to like about this facility!

The cathedral is so beautiful! As someone who was raised Catholic, I found it to be a peaceful and glorious space. It is free to see, however be prepared to pay $10 if you park in the adjacent lot.

This was part of the reason we came to Santa Fe, A pilgrimage for a group of friends who have travelled the world on pilgrimages.

Beautiful church in the heart of Santa Fe. Caught Mass while enjoying the downtown shops and Native American crafts. Church was full so i recommend you get there a little early. Santa Fe has a a special beauty and history that should be on everyones travel list.

Park in a nearby lot and start your day in this amazing cathedral. The history will ground you to the area. From here, it is an easy walk to the plaza.

Attractive, but not much to see. Not a lot of art, and rather plain. It is right of the square, and an easy stop, so we have no regrets.

Beautiful church with interesting history. This Basilica is not quite as grand as a European counterpart but it’s pretty close.

A must stop. It is steps away from the La Fonda Hotel. Although closed due to Covid you can still view the sanctuary. The gift shop is still open. Light a candle and enjoy visiting this living piece of history. Prayers for all and all creatures.

When arriving at The Plaza, this makes a magnificent picture with the green mountains and blue skies behind it. There are some beautiful sculptures in the outside area. I was here during COVID and you can walk in and take a picture, just cannot go in very far.

It is very beautiful all the chapels we view in Santa Fe were gorgeous. well worth the stop if you love chapels and architectural

Interesting crucifix and church location. Since it is free and in the center of town it is worth stopping in.

I visited several years ago and it is a beautiful place and nice place to stop for prayer/quiet time. Not sure if the very limited hours are due to Covid or other issues, but many days it's not open at all. I had hoped maybe they had a noon mass, but no luck.

This free attraction in downtown Santa Fe is well worth a visit. The grounds are immaculate, and the provide a wonderful experience. There are moving statues of the Twelve Stages of the Cross, Catholic Pueblo images, and of course, St. Francis. There are two sanctuaries inside. The larger one is the main draw with its beautiful Spanish colonial inspired artwork. The smaller is a working sanctuary. If you are religious, there is a daily mass offered here.

This church is very pretty, imposing and worth admiring in its many details, a stone's throw from the center of Santa Fe

This stately old church was beautiful and well worth visiting. The docent was very informative and obviously very proud of this lovely place. She shared information on this location as well as several other churches in the vicinty

Very historic, beautiful church and property. Besides seeing it up close with the gorgeous landscaping and statues, we also saw it from the air, definitely the most recognizable landmark of the city from up above.

This cathedral if one of the main attractions in Santa Fe. The Native American Madonna in front of the main entrance is a gorgeous sculpture that ties the local history to that cathedral which is over 400 yers old. We visited the cathedral for Christmas service, and it was spiritual and majestic. The inside has been recently renovated, and it is magnificent! Be aware of the tourist crowds...!

Beautiful church! When we stopped by there was a service being held so we didn’t enter but could look in through the windows and hear the service via a microphone system. There were a couple of sisters at the door and they were happy to answer questions. Love the architecture!

You have to visit this church, when you travel to Santa Fe.
It‘s a building with a very old history.

Enjoyed visiting this historic and beautiful cathedral. The fountain outside the church is a beautiful piece of art and should be viewed as well.

Have visited this church before and always a respite from the crowds in downtown Santa Fe. Went to a mass here and found it not only inspirational but uplifting! Beautiful service!

The Basilica is beuatiful from the outside and when you enter you see the very beautiful basilica in its glory

Even if you're not Catholic, this church should be on your "Top 10 Places in Santa Fe". Be sure to check out the collection of relics up by the alter, in the left side of the church. It will blow your mind. A humbling experience...loved it!

Gorgeous Cathedral. The sun coming through the stained glass windows cast such beautiful colors on the walls. Defiantly a must see if you love old Churches and Missions

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.

Squat truncated towers flank the west door.
Inside a large font is the first thing you see.,
The interior is unexpectedly light and airy, there is a large rose window.

Such a beautiful church. If you’re Catholic then I recommend attending the Sunday 9am mass. The choir is professional level. Their singing was very inspirational.

You may enter to view the church - no admission cost but they appreciate donations. Photos are allowed - but no flash.

Beautiful architecture, stained glass and chapels, there is so much to see in this gorgeous church. A peaceful sanctuary, it is nice to take the time to just sit and look around. Apparently the church has an interesting history, being built around an original building dated back to the 1700’s. There is a beautiful chapel housing La Conquistadora, a small wooden statue of the Madonna brought to New Mexico by the Spanish.

Worth a stop to see the inside of this beautiful church on the square. Very intricate painting. Beautifully restored.

We love the location, great service and a very, very friendly Staff. The Location is the Best walking distant to the Plaza and all shopping and eats

We visited during Thanksgiving and it was very cold and it not a small Basilica, but it was packed! Beautiful artwork and they Nativity set was allin wood, so beautifully crafted.

Saint Francis Cathedral was built by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy between 1869 and 1886, in the Romanesque Revival style. The two towers were planned to be topped with 49 meter steeples, due to lack of funds, this never occurred. It was elevated to a Basilica by Pope Benedict XVI on October 4th 2005.

Beautiful area. Great place if you are traveling with a fur baby. Beautiful building and great history.

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.

Between the outdoor stations of the cross, the sculptures, the statue in front of the first Native American saint as well as the awesome splendor of the actual church, This is a necessary stop for anyone.

I had the opportunity to go to Mass at the Cathedral, so I had a chance to absorb the power and beauty of this place. It was a memorial Mass, and the bishop was there for the ceremony.
Afterward, I visited the side chapel that houses all of the church's relics and historical displays, and it is amazing. I also was able to speak with one of the church's docents, and found that this church shares a lot of the history of Santa Fe and New Mexico itself.
This is one stop that you should not miss while in Santa Fe.

Breathtaking historical building. We did a bit of research before our visit. Peaceful and tranquil spot to soak in the history of this marvelous city.

Some cathedrals are over the top with embellishment. This one has all of the dignity of what you expect for a basilica but is a little more subdued. To the left of the main altar, is a smaller one. Flanking it is a collection of saintly relics including a hair of Mother Teresa, a cap from one of the popes and more.

Outside is a statue honouring the first indigenous saint. Well worth visiting.

This Cathedral is breath taking. It grabs you as you walk through the beautiful entry. Everything shines and gives you a peaceful feeling.

This church is heart of city. The inside has book display with many dress the little Mary statue wears all year long. There are statues inside. there are stain glass windows inside but outside stain glass mozic tiles of staints and wooden crave statue of saints ,angels and animals. There a fountain. A peace garden place where StFrancis himself would rest and feed the birds

The Cathedral was very interesting to visit and to see some old artifacts. It was fun to explore and enjoy.

Definitely worth visiting while in SantaFe., It is not as fancy as some of the other big city churches but it is right on the main plaza and worth visiting.

My friend and I went to the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi because it is listed as something one should do when one visits Santa Fe. I am so glad we did. My Protestant friend joined me in a pew where the baptismal font was in front of us. After a few moments of contemplation, I explained some of the religious statuary and scenes depicted in the stained glass. There is so much to see, to absorb that we sat quietly for several minutes before moving forward to admire the huge baptismal font. We made our way towards the altar and heard a docent explaining the little chapel off to the side which was part of the small original church from the 1500s. There is a strong feeling in that small space. I lit a candle there and offered a few prayers before moving along to admire the many marimbas stored near the large yet closed organ that my friend was yearning to see opened. Mass in that place must be amazing.
I was glad we made the effort to walk up and investigate. The inside is much more than the outside might lead you to expect.

The Basilica is lovely and there are a number of statues both inside and outside the large, well maintained grounds.

This is an amazing place. From the outside to the inside was all amazing. In the inside the guy told us history on the baptismal font and the original church. The font is from the 1600s, how cool! It only takes about 15 min to look around, but so worth it!!

Great service with great ambience. Very nice and beautifully decorated. Very well organized service. Highly recommend. Get there early for prime seating and finding parking.

A beautiful Cathedral and well worth the time to visit and experience this Santa Fe landmark. The stained glass windows and the helpful docent's makes this an experience you will not soon forget.

This is a very lovely church. It's to bad we couldn't fo farther inside. But it's well perserved and is a must see.

Go a spend time in the Cathedral. It is beautiful and full of history. Attend Mass if you can it is a special event.