These 10 Breathtaking Missions In New Mexico Are Loaded With History
Everyone’s heard about the Spanish missions in California. But did you know that some of the New Mexico missions predate those in California by over 100 years?
The missions here are on the sites of pueblos because the goal of the Franciscan friars was to convert Native Americans to Christianity and reduce resistance to the arrival of Europeans. These religious outposts were mostly built in the 16th and 17th centuries throughout New Mexico. Due to the age of the structures, some are now in ruins while others remain well-preserved. Regardless of their condition, the following 10 Spanish missions in New Mexico are loaded with history.
This mission church is believed to have been constructed in 1613, making it one of the oldest missions of New Mexico. During the course of the Pueblo Revolt, everything save the nave and walls sustained damage. However, the structure was extensively repaired which makes this one of the oldest churches in the country. The Pueblo of Isleta is located about 15 miles south of Albuquerque. Visit the National Park Service website to learn more.
The mission at Acoma Pueblo perches high on a mesa. You need to take an official tour to view this building, which has 10-foot thick walls. Its construction began in 1629 but was only finished in the 1640s. Mission San Esteban del Rey de Acoma is one of the most fascinating Spanish missions in New Mexico. Acoma Pueblo lies 60 miles west of Albuquerque.
This mission in Ranchos de Taos was built later than many of the others on this list - between 1772 and 1816. Every year, locals gather to re-mud the church with a blend of mud and straw. This building has been photographed by Ansel Adams and painted by Georgia O'Keeffe and is one of the most beautiful mission churches in New Mexico. Visit the San Francisco de Assisi Mission for more information.
60 St Francis Plaza, Ranchos De Taos, NM 87557, USA
4. Mission Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles de Porciúncula de los Pecos
This mission is part of Pecos National Historical Park. Although in ruins, the church, constructed between 1617 and 1620, was obviously once-imposing. That's appropriate given that this pueblo was the biggest in New Mexico for a time. Pecos National Historical Park is located about 26 miles northeast of Santa Fe. Visit the National Park Service website for more information.
There are two San Miguel Missions in New Mexico. This one is in Socorro. The current mission church here was built between 1615 and 1626 to replace an earlier structure on the same site. According to rumor, when news of the Pueblo Revolt reached Socorro, several solid silver items (including a communion rail) were buried for safekeeping. As far as anyone knows, these objects remain underground to this day. Visit the San Miguel Catholic Church website to learn more.
The mission on Laguna Pueblo was constructed at the end of the 17th century. It actually served as a stable during the Pueblo Revolt but was repaired in the 1930s. Laguna Pueblo is situated east and slightly north of Grants. It's one of the most interesting missions of New Mexico. Visit the National Park Service website to learn more.
Hailed as the oldest church in the nation, the San Miguel Chapel in Santa Fe is thought to have been built in 1610. Following the Pueblo Revolt, Native Americans kept control of Santa Fe for 12 years, during which time this church was used as a kiva. Damage from the Pueblo Revolt was repaired in 1710. This is among the most historic mission churches in New Mexico.
During the 17th century, Franciscan missionaries arrived in the Salinas Valley and put Native American women and children to work building churches.
The Salinas National Monument consists of three sites near Mountainair. The San Gregorio Mission constructed at Abó showcased advanced architectural techniques for the time. You can visit the National Park Service website for more information.
34.520412, -106.241881
9. Mission San Isidro and Mission San Buenaventura de Humanas (also called Gran Quivira)
This is the largest of the missions. Mound 7 - the one totally excavated structure - contains 226 rooms! Gran Quivira is one of the most remarkable Spanish missions in New Mexico. You have to see it to believe it!
34.596385, -106.295893
10. Mission Nuestra Señora de Purísima Concepción de Quarai
Work began on this church in 1627 and was finished in 1632. Bizarrely, given the objective of the Spanish missions, this structure contained a square kiva. Visit the National Park Service website for more information.
Address: 401 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Address: 22 Capital Rd, Laguna, NM 87026, USA
Address: 34.596385, -106.295893
Address: 60 St Francis Plaza, Ranchos De Taos, NM 87557, USA
Address: El Camino Real, Socorro, NM 87801, USA
Address: Acoma Pueblo, NM 87034, USA
Address: 34.909207, -106.693052
Address: 34.520412, -106.241881
Address: 31.567472, -111.051842
Address: 34.520372, -106.241890
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
New Mexico Missions
July 07, 2022
Melissa M.
What are some of the most beautiful churches in New Mexico?
New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment for a reason. While there is plenty of extraordinary natural beauty to be found around the state, it’s also full of breathtaking manmade structures as well. Some of these structures happen to be churches. Take a look at some of the most beautiful churches in New Mexico and see for yourself,
What is the oldest church in New Mexico?
Originally built in 1610, Santa Fe’s San Miguel Chapel is the oldest church in the state. This Spanish mission church is also considered the oldest in the country.
How many pueblos are there in New Mexico?
Throughout the state, 19 pueblos, or villages, remain. Each one still has its own residents, its own government, and its dedication to preserving history and culture. Among the best-known pueblos is the Acoma Pueblo which is also referred to as the “Sky City” due to its location atop the Enchanted Mesa.
Address: 401 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
Address: 22 Capital Rd, Laguna, NM 87026, USA
Address: 34.596385, -106.295893
Address: 60 St Francis Plaza, Ranchos De Taos, NM 87557, USA
Address: El Camino Real, Socorro, NM 87801, USA
Address: Acoma Pueblo, NM 87034, USA
Address: 34.909207, -106.693052
Address: 34.520412, -106.241881
Address: 31.567472, -111.051842
Address: 34.520372, -106.241890
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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