Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi Pixabay Public Domain
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Built on the site of an older adobe church, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi was established between 1869 and 1886 by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy. One of the most historic destinations in Santa Fe, the Cathedral Basilica is a fabulously interesting, faith-fueled institution reflecting Catholic faith and New Mexican culture.
The original church, La Parroquia, was destroyed during the Pueblo Revolt in 1680 and the newer Cathedral built around the existing ruins. Though the church was designed using a Romanesque Revival style, the yellow limestone was quarried from local New Mexico, near Lamy, a community named for the Archbishop. The round window above the Cathedral's main entrance is an authentic replica of a stained glass window designed by Bernini which resides in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
Visitors to Santa Fe often stop by the Cathedral to view the statue of Archbishop Lamy, the plaque dedicated to St. Kateri, the first Native American to be canonized, as well as the statue to St. Francis. The Cathedral doors are always open to believers who wish to celebrate the sacraments with the local parishioners or visit the Stations of the Cross Prayer Garden.
