Ten years later, I brought Bob, Laurie, and Gayle back to El Santuario De Chimayo and on a Sunday morning before area services. They sell small empty containers to fill with the Holy Dirt, but we left it at a dab or 2 on Bob's knee and Gayle's neck. So far, the hoped for miracle has not yet occurred. This time around there's a Visitor's Center that I don't remember from before. I stopped in and was greeted by a very friendly volunteer. They also had a bunch of religious art on sale by local folks, which were well done, but not really my style. The Main Sanctuary and the Side room (with the Holy Dirt) in back were what I remembered. The "dirt" found at the well (pocito) in the room is considered holy because in this spot, the crucifix of "Our Lord of Esquipulas" was found in 1810. All that being said, Laurie and Gayle remarked that the Spanish depiction of their Catholicism here was behaps too dark, somber, and bloody. I guess the portrayal of negative consequences does resonate with some folks. read more

I absolutely love this church! From the holy dirt to the beautiful art gallery there is an experience for those religious and non religious alike. It is such a beautiful drive getting to the church, and there is sick striking imagery throughout the area. I highly suggest making the drive and experiencing this one of a kind church! read more

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My boss recommended that I visit this place. It was very peaceful. Free to walk around. read more

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Magical!!experience!! So much to experience! Everyone so friendly, helpful, the holy dirt is for real!!!! You are welcome to take some with you! The chapel is amazing.. take time to sit snd soak it in! I always like to visit when in the area read more

This is such a beautiful place to see. Whether or not you are religious, this is a special place to visit and reflect. Even though I am not a Catholic, I felt very welcome here. The chapels are lovely to go into and just be still. They have a couple of shops you can visit around them, and you can collect some Holy Water and Dirt to take with you. read more

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I enjoyed visiting El Santuario de Chimayo more than I thought. It is located outside Santa Fe, we stopped on the way to Taos and spent more time that I thought. The grounds are fascinating to visit, the whole place is unique and has a lot of history behind it. It is a place for pilgrimage for lots of folks, there are time periods where it can get very crowded. Built in 1816, Chimayo went through more additions and troubles. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1970. For me, the building is very New Mexico in the good way style wise, simple, with adobe accent. The place si a bit isolated, quiet, spiritual. Like no other I have visited. Definitely stop by if you visit this part of NM! read more

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Kudos to the folks walking the pilgrimage trail. It's some 7.5+ miles. We drove it. The pastor Roca only died some 7 years ago that had started the most recent walks for over 40 years. You need proper shoes, hat and sun protection and lots of water and snacks too. You don't realize how far a walk it is until you drive it. There are port-a-Johns along the way. The church is compact but still serene and quite peaceful too. read more

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What a beautiful sanctuary in northern New Mexico. I'm not Catholic but Christian, but I found this place to be quite moving. It's a very quiet and calming place. It's amazing to stand and soak in a place that's been around for over 200 years. A bit somber to see all of the pictures and kid shoes, but I was in awe seeing all of the crutches lined up. Lastly, we did take a bit of dirt to take back. I got two very small snack containers, one for myself and one for my sister. I will say if you're coming to get the dirt don't be selfish and dumb about it. There was a couple in front of us who were taking bags and bags and containers of the dirt. They were also taking a lot of the holy water that was in front of the chapel. Don't be that person. I can taking some for a family member or two if they can't come with you, but it was like they were taking loads back for an entire village. I don't know it was just a bit weird and off putting. You're still in holy ground in a holy place, don't lose your common sense when you're there. read more

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When you enter through the public parking lot at the back, you may come across three statues that symbolize three cultures that defined New Mexico. Behind these 3 statues is the Virgin of Peace. The church is very old and rich in history People can take time inside when there is no mass. El Santuario de Chimayo is sacred, calm and full of peace and spirituality. I think that you can feel all that even if you practice another religion that is not Catholic or do not practice any. It is really a very quiet and beautiful place. Every time we visit Santa Fe we make the journey to Chimayo and enjoy its surroundings. read more

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I can't believe that it has taken me so long to review this incredible, historical church. My husband and I were on our 25th wedding anniversary trip in the fall of 2017 and this stop was just one of many surprises that he had in store for me. We took a beautiful route up through the mountains to the quaint little town of Chimayo, New Mexico. The sanctuary was built in 1816 and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark as of 1970. Many people have made the pilgrimage to visit this place and now count me in as one of them. The sanctuary does not allow any pictures, but once you have been there you will never forget it. Upon entry into the sanctuary there is a six foot crucifix with Christ. It definitely stops you in your tracks and made me sit down and listen. It was so quite and I felt such a powerful, spiritual force at work here. The grounds cover 6.4 acres and there is a lovely creek that runs through the property. The stations of the cross are built out of stone and also run along the perimeter of the property. The peaceful gardens are blessed with all kinds of crosses and fountains. Many people have come here and brought pictures of their loved ones, asking for prayers and/or blessings. There are so many little shrines set up for people from all walks of life and all ages. In a small little room called the "el pocito" which means little well there is hole in the ground where the "Holy Dirt" lies. You are allowed to take some of the dirt with you but you have to supply your own bag. Many pilgrims rub it on your body which is what I did along with saying a prayer. The dirt is supposed to have healing properties and it definitely helped me when I had fractured my foot. It is not recommended to eat it, but long ago some pilgrims did. I shared the dirt with some of my catholic friends who really appreciated it. My experience here was so uplifting and I am so glad that my husband and I were able to visit this magnificent church. I highly recommend when you are in New Mexico that this is a stop on your journey. read more

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My husband had researched this church before we went on our trip and surprised me one morning by driving out here- it felt like the middle of no where, I will say that! But it was about 8am when we got there ( we were still on CT and ready to go early in the morning!). Since it was so early, and a little chilly with it being the end of October, we were the only ones there besides a groundskeeper who was lighting some candles. Parking looks tricky if you are planning to visit during a busy time of year. Very impressive architecture inside the church, it just felt really special and unique- very loved. We are not very religious people, but this was one of our favorite parts of our trip to the Santa Fe area. read more

4.5 stars I had never been here before and had always wanted to come, especially on Good Friday. Given the Governor's/Archbishop's orders, my friend and I decided to make the drive up there on Palm Sunday. It was great to see so many people had still walked the way. Most of the buildings were open, so we got to go through the Chapel with the holy dirt. I was speechless to see the wall lined with crutches and wheelchairs that no longer are used because of the healing that had taken place on these grounds. They had mass outdoors (due to capacity restrictions and the expectations of larger crowds, but ran out of palms). The setting was absolutely perfect with the gardens, statues, and the creek surrounding the outdoor altar. Father Sebastian Lee was funny and relatable. The snack shack they usually have was closed that day and so was the "barn". The children's chapel was open, and it was sad to see the tiny shoes lining the ceilings donated by families of the children who are no longer around... The roads going through Chimayo are like their own town with a market selling paintings and chile and playing Spanish guitar music. Even if you're not religious, this is still one of the most sacred sites in New Mexico. There are plenty of other restaurants, adobe-style hotels, and recreational activities to check it in the area. 2021 #46 read more

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An old, old, old historic church that many walk to for the pilgrimage. For me, I drove and stopped when I was on the high road from Taos to Santa Fe. Built in 1816 there is a lot of history here and there are actually two chapels of historical significance. El Santuario de Chimayo is actually designated a National Historic Landmark. The first chapel we explored has the small pit of Holy Dirt. Most people come to see the Holy Dirt but I was more taken aback by all the crutches in this place. Unfortunately there was no one from the church to answer questions but several were answered by the kind woman working at the nearby trading post. She informed us that people will walk into the church with the crutches and be cured, leaving them in the church as they walk out independently. It is thought the Holy Dirt has healing powers. Similarly, we did not even know about the second (church of children) until we went in the nearby trading post. Santo Nino de Atocha Chapel has a ton of children's shoes - we were told to not be alarmed and that many people bring the shoes here. People also leave what seemed like thousands of prayer requests. The churches are open everyday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. This place is worth checking out if you're in the area and enjoy history. The grounds were quite peaceful. read more

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This Roman Catholic church is designated as a National Historic Landmark and receives almost 300,000 visitors per year. It has been called the most important Catholic pilgrimage center in the country and some pilgrims walk from as far as 100 miles. Many visitors take a bit of "holy dirt" with them for its supposed miraculous healing powers (eating the dirt is discouraged but dirt baths are approved). I found the space to be peaceful and sedative. The grounds are beautiful, with a little gurgling creek. While I'm not at all religious, I can feel that this place means a lot to people. There are walls of photographs brought by visitors -- loved ones to pray for. There are pilgrimage crosses with diseases written on them. That's powerful energy right there. I'm sure for believers, this place is very profound. I simply enjoyed exploring the calming grounds and thinking about its meaning for people. Had no problem finding it using my GPS. Pretty large parking lot. read more

1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher,vanity of vanities! All is vanity. 3 What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? 4 A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. 5 The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises. 6 The wind blows to the south and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns. 7 All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again. 8 All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. 9 What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. 10 Is there a thing of which it is said, "See, this is new"? It has been already in the ages before us. 11 There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after. Don't park in the Father's space, the one marked "Priest Parking." He has an earlier Mass on the mountain and to be on time for the 10:30 Mass he must have his space. If you park in his space Mass will start late and there will be an admonition and justifiably so. Rabbit will also have to leave the hot sanctuary and gak in a bucket. read more

El Santuario De Chimayo - Celebremos. - Churches Near Me - Chimayo, New Mexico

Time, there is never enough of it. Walking around this church, seeing the walls filled with all the photos of loved ones lost. Many, many faces of beautiful children, men & women. A shrine of baby shoes fill the walls, toys of every kind, crutches, leg braces, personal items of the sick & weary are all around you. Left behind by a family member who's heart is completely broken. Thousands of faces, thousands of broken hearts. As all of these people were deeply loved, taken too soon. I keep walking thru the church as the sense of loss is overwhelming. I know it all too well. As my husband kneels down & takes some dirt for us we look back of what our lives have held, as the minutes pass, we see what fell through the cracks. Time. As I see more & more people arriving at the church to collect the healing dirt. People on crutches, in wheelchairs, people wearing medical masks, their loved ones faces haunted by precious time. I think of my own loss, my own broken heart. The loved ones that have gone on before me. What I wish could be returned. My mother, my brother, my only child. Parts of our lives we withheld, time did not warn us. The times we squandered. Time passes, minutes turn into hours, hours turned into days, days into months, months into years, I do not forget you, my heart does not forget you nor does it stop breaking. Time only goes by. Time after time I try so hard to forget the tragic blemishes of life, it's stains of sorrow & regret. I wish we would have never fought. I can not take back that time. Its said that time heals all wounds but I have not found that to be true. And as my husband & I get ready to leave with our dirt, our little container of hope, we decide to stop & kneel to pray. My whole future, all my hopes & dreams, all the time I have left is sitting right beside me. My husband takes my hand in his as we say a little prayer. I pray for all the broken hearts, the children, the men & women, all the faces, the sick & the weary, their loss, their grief I know so well. Then I pray as I pray every time, that for my remaining loved ones, time be kind. This church is a very very special place that everyone should visit at least one time. read more

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The sanctuary at Chimayo, as the name of this place suggest, many pilgrimage visit this Roman Catholic Church. They have holy dirt and it is believe to cure sickness or brings miracles. I suppose you need to believe in to work? I didn't take any for those actually in need. This place left me with lots of question marks in my head. I need to look up online to learn more about this place. I stopped by here without knowing anything about it. Why am I leaving five star useless review? I felt so peaceful here. Can't explain it. Hardly any cell signal here. I had to drive about a mile to get my cell signal back for Yelp check in and direction to my destination. I will try to learn more about this place before my next visit to Northern New Mexico and will update my review. Until then hope you enjoy your visit to this peaceful place. read more

El Santuario De Chimayo - El Santuario De Chimayo - Churches Near Me - Chimayo, New Mexico

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Nicely laid out. Parking is plentiful in the rear. It really is a visual tour, not many history plaques that are informative. Clean with tourist venues\shops and one food place. Kid friendly. Quiet place to meditate. What amazed me were the hundreds of pictures of people needed prayers. If in Chamayo it is a must see. read more

Incredible. Just plain incredible. It's like living history. Sincretismo in progress. I guess this place is popularized for its miracle presence. But I'm persuaded that humanity presence here is what makes this place awesome. It's so colorful and full of life. Retablos and images are so relatable. Stories out of the bible come to life here. And loved ones who have passed through here come to life. It's like a celebration of life rather than death. And it's a stark contrast to typical Catholic churches that are cold, quiet and empty. My favorite was the Santa Nino de Atocha church. You could spend hours taking in all the wooden benches and retratos that tell a story. And the color. So much color. So much vibrant life all around. That and the tamales are really good. read more

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This is a hard place to find! We drove up and down the road more times than I care to admit before finally stopping to ask for directions. Once we had a better idea, we paid far better attention to the signs and found it. We are not particularly religious but always find it interesting to look at the beauty of older churches. The paintings and architecture are really beautiful here. This church is known for its healing of the sick and there is a room to get healing dirt. We didn't partake in that but it was interesting to see. There is a trading post next door where we bought some of the local chimayo chili. read more

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Beautiful church. It was worth the drive out there. The grounds are so peaceful, you could take a nap as the breeze wisps along your skin. We sat inside of the small church. Took a moment in the room with the holy dirt, located on the side of the church. Two ways to get in there, enter the church and walk all the way down and make a left, or you can enter through a door on the left side of the church. There are restrooms, thank goodness! Nice little gift shops in the area. Parking was tricky, but if you keep driving past the church, you'll find a rather large parking lot. Park there. So the holy dirt is supposed to heal you. Inside the room were tons of crutches and pictures of people to pray for. I found it moving. Almost teared up looking at the pictures of sick people. read more

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Word to the wise: If you plan on attending mass, come early, really early! We attempted to attend the noon mass, and arrived right around noon. Well, in normal Catholic mass this is never an issue, as any Catholic will tell you. Let's just say that Catholics, as I know them, are habitual tardy type folk. Well in this case, the little chapel holds maybe 50 people tops! Then it's standing room only, and the room for those standing, is maybe another 10. So just come and soak in the historical value and appreciate the beauty! Do this, and you will be impressed I promise! France has Lourdes with their holiest of Holy Water! Which admittedly I'd love to see with my own eyes one day! I mean, who wouldn't? Nevertheless, New Mexico has El Santuario De Chimayo with their holiest of Holy Dirt! Seriously, their dirt is supposed to be blessed and you're supposed to bring a pocket full home with you, which we did. However, they sell nice little containers to put it in. Whether you're Catholic, Mormon, Non Denominational, or just your average oblivious Joe, this place is pretty cool! It is living history and worth the drive from Albuquerque. read more

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Worth a detour if you are driving between Santa Fe and Taos, the Santuario Chimayo is a national historic landmark known for its "holy dirt" which is reputed to have healing powers. The Santuario is relatively small in size, but huge in importance and from the visceral feeling you have while visiting the interior. The inside is impressive with stained glass and a colorfully ornate alter all to the glory of god. The floor is uneven stone, primitive by modern standards but truly inspirational and significant when viewed in its totality. Ample free parking available. Plenty of signage to direct you from the main roads. Handicap accessible. read more

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I first visited this sacred place in 1975 while on a camping vacation from Chicago with Jane who was shortly thereafter to become my wife for forty years. Nine years ago we retired to New Mexico (Corrales). I now visit this place at least twice each year. Creator has endowed this Santuario with a magnetic spiritual force that will raw you here often as it has me. Just sit in a pew and Creator will tell you why you are here. read more

El Santuario De Chimayo - Churches Near Me - Chimayo, New Mexico

I can't express enough how in touch with nature and at peace one feels being in New Mexico. If you're comfortable disconnecting and embracing history, simplicity, and nature you're in for a spiritual experience, one that will stick with you long after your trip is done. El Santuariou De Chimayo might best be known for it's holy dirt, but the grounds just feel holy. I don't know how to explain it, it's a visceral feeling you need to experience for yourself. It was also really cool to pass people we saw walking on the highway, on a pilgrimage to the sanctuary. read more

El Santuario De Chimayo - St Francis saint for animals - Churches Near Me - Chimayo, New Mexico

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Pleasantly surprised by a stop at this church. The grounds are quite nice and the Church itself is pretty cool to see. We did see the holy dirt and enjoyed some quiet time under a sunny sky. It's worth a stop on your way for sure - maybe not a special trip for this alone, but a nice drive from Santa Fe. read more

This was one of my mom's favorite places to go. I think she would come here to pray for patience and strength. They say that miracles happen after you have come here and prayed. And I do think they happen because my mom raised ten children and she needed all the help she could get. Or maybe she prayed that we would not kill one another. We took a road trip and took the high road to Taos. If you haven't been on the High road to Taos I highly recommend it. There is so much to see and do on this route from Espanola to Taos. read more

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Such an incredible, spiritual experience. Whether you are religious or unsure, you must do the Chimayo Pilgrimage when in New Mexico. You can go in and receive some of their infamous healing dirt, or pray for loved ones that are in need. We genuinely enjoyed our experience here and we left with our souls feeling a little lighter. You can easily spend 2 hours exploring here. If there is something weighing on your mind, there is even a prayer book or an opportunity for you to leave a picture of a loved one for others to pray for while visiting. For more on what to do, check out our blog. https://kasventures.org/2019/09/11/road-trip-from-taos-santa-fe-nm/ read more

Of all the things I love to do on my yearly trip to Santa Fe, taking the High Road to Taos is at the top of the "must do" list, and a stop in at El Santuario Chimayo is part of that. While many people come to this church as part of their personal, spiritual pilgrimage, visiting this church for those who have no particular interest in spirituality or religion can still be a great experience, for the history, alone, is really quite interesting. The grounds are beautifully kept and you won't find a better place for some of the most breathtaking photography of the Sangre de Christo mountains. No sense in re-writing what everyone else has penned here about the holy dirt, the quaint gift shop or the serenity of the place - What is important is the history of the church. The sanctuary itself definitely IS a beautiful, special place, with wonderful wooden sculptures (traditionally called bultos) and pretty paintings on wood (called Retablos). But, additionally, you can experience so many of the traditional celebrations of the natives. Be sure to check out the calendars and schedules so you're able to catch some of the local "flavor" such as the Matachines show, the aztec dances, and the Novena Las Posadas (the nine day procession that exhibits Mary & Joseph's search for an inn), where last of the nine day ceremony culminates at Chimayo. They really have some wonderful celebrations at Chimayo! All in all, don't miss the opportunity to visit the little town of Chimayo and this church! read more

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I can't believe I'm reviewing a place like this, it's a church after all. Reviewing a church seems sacrilegious to me.... But if it catches someone's attention and it allows them to find this corner of the world, then this review won't have been done in vain. Firstly, I'm not real religious person. I was born into a Catholic family so this kind of place is one that I'm familiar with. Holy sacred sites like Chimayo are highly coveted in the Catholic tradition... Miracles are stuff that Catholic dreams thrive on and people search high and low for signs from God, on religious statues/ on sides of a wall/ pieces of burnt toast even. I've seen many a miracle sight around the world, Lourdes, the Basilica St. Anne de Beaupre in Quebec City.. But I gotta say, Chimayo is different.... It's a place that inspires a lot of skepticism in people. A miracle pit of dirt that magically heals those in pain and those who are suffering and in need of help? My scientific deductive/ rational mind would immediately reject a place like this.... But I've been here a few times, I know the legend of this place and yet, I still find myself returning here. Its kind of funny, each and every time I do, I find something different... The first time I found myself here, I ended up speaking to a complete stranger, who reminded me of the kindness and warmth of my long deceased Grandfather- his mannerisms and our conversation brought me back to a memory that's been lost in the recesses of time. On my last trip here, I found a wonderful peace just reflecting on the absolute beauty of the grounds here. A peace if you will, comes over me when I'm here. Call it spiritual/miracle site, a sacred holy ground, call it what you will, I won't argue with you.... It is special. It's got a little something-something that cracks open my jaded, cynical heart just a little... And allows me to let in just a little hope for something more. read more

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I have never had a more spiritual experience than this beautiful church. You can't help but be moved by the hundreds of photos of loved ones being prayed for and the amazing history. I felt renewed by the peaceful gardens and beautiful stream behind the sanctuary. I definitely understand why people make pilgrimages here. read more

El Santuario De Chimayo - Churches Near Me - Chimayo, New Mexico

This beautiful historical church must stop on the High Road from Santa Fe to Taos. The Sanctuary is awe inspiring and the grounds are simply beautiful. A stop for pilgrimages known for healing powers there are many prayer requests all over the grounds. There is a strong sense of reverence on these hallowed grounds, and all visitors need to respect that. Stop and say a prayer and enjoy the scenery. read more

El Santuario De Chimayo - Picture perfect setting - Churches Near Me - Chimayo, New Mexico

Although I am not religious, I appreciated the historical landmark of the church grounds and architecture. We can all learn so much about people and ourselves through history. read more

El Sanctuario has always been one of my favorite churches in Northern New Mexico. I hadn't been here in years and I was shocked at how developed the whole complex has become around the church. It is a peaceful setting with lovely views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. The Sanctuario is always a spiritual place and we had the pleasure of conversing with the elderly priest who said he is 94 years old. Delightful fellow and very beloved by his parishoners. Worth a visit to enjoy the Spanish mission architecture and northern NM culture. read more

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It's a spiritual place. I've driven here several times in the past two years for "grounding." There are only two other places that do this for me. The Pali in my home town and in a valley in the Himalayans. The drive on the high road to Taos reminds us of Bryce Canyon. The canyons are carved by the wind and rain. The landscape is the color of orange. It looks like a scene from a western movie. This is why we love the southwest. The moment you step on the grounds of the Chimayo, there is a sense of peace. People walk in silence as though they are meditating. They say the dirt heals illness. I don't know if it does but I have hope. Hope can heal many things. read more

Feb 2015 While the exterior of the church itself wasn't as inspiring as I'd expected; the interior was full of other-worldly religious arts of a kind you don't find in my white-bread world. They were ancient, colorful and visually appealing. I sank down into one of the pews & let the peace of the church soak into my senses - bringing me to silent tears as I prayed for my sister's struggle against cancer. Afterwards we roamed around the exterior a bit -took pictures of the various adobe walls & incredible amount of lovely tile work found in seats, inlaid walls & many unexpected places. Wandered through the gift shop. We enjoyed a quick hot dog lunch onsite at Lorena's - a somewhat dusty café. Just inside the lower parking lot, we browsed the stand of an enterprising young woman who had beautiful handmade scented soaps for sale. I was happy later I'd bought several as they were hugh hits with family members & retained their scents until they were teeny slivers of soap. As we were driving out, we realized there was a huge area right around the corner from the main church & across the upper parking lot. A chapel with incredible stained glass & a couple of other shops at least. Alas we didn't stop - after seeing other traveler's incredible pictures of what we missed, I wish we had! read more

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Amazing place! We attended an outdoor Mass here on Sunday morning. It was a really special experience. So glad that we learned about this place on Real Life Catholic on EWTN. We even brought back some of the healing dirt. I highly recommend making a pilgrimage to Chimayó. read more

Sanctuaries. My daughter snuggling into bed in the morning, waking me up before she tickles me. Pickles. Billie Holiday. Central Park. My mother's lasagna. Autumn. Chimayo. Definitely Chimayo. This place, oh this sacred, soulful place. Chimayo has you before you arrive, the High Road to Taos is something of a rising oratory, a winding tale of, well, deliverance. That's the feeling I get, anyway. By the time I've reached the parking lot, I'm fully spellbound. This state, its people, the traditions and cultures, they're pretty ancient, and Chimayo seems to be the epicenter of that... whatever it is. Energy. This is a very heavy and enlightened place. I am not a religious person, never have been. This sanctuary grips me like my daughter's smile. This is an absolute must on your tour of northern New Mexico. Like the Taos Pueblo, it will never be forgotten. It is a refuge that claims its very dirt will heal the sick, and I'm willing to believe it. And the best part of the baptism is the chile. When you're through with the tour, go grab a bowl of green chile stew, or a bag of spices to take home. Chat with a local. New Mexico True. read more

The Santuario of Chimayo is a quiet place of contemplation. It is an incredibly serene place, hidden in the mountains. It's been called the Lourdes of the West, but it doesn't have the chaos of Lourdes. It's a rustic mission church. It's famous for its sacred dirt. The place is very purifying. It heals the mind and the spirit. read more

So what if the dirt is from Home Depot. Really incredible little church, with beautiful squeaking pews and low doorways in the back that lead to a small pit in the ground with a plastic shovel. I'm not religious, but I do really find religion fascinating. The crutch-lined walls, the photographs fit together like a quilt, the glowing candles lit for unspoken prayers. Stop by the gift shop to purchase all the typical items like rosaries and candles, professional photographs, ceramic containers to hold some of the holy dirt. It's also worth taking the time to walk around the grounds - it's very peaceful and there's actually quite a bit to see. read more