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San Miguel Chapel

4.3 (36 reviews)
Closed 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

San Miguel Chapel Photos

Recommended Reviews - San Miguel Chapel

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Lucy H.

Quaint chapel with informative and helpful guides. A cello player was there playing live calming music. At the railing, you can look over and see the 1610 foundation.

Jo S.

San Miguel Mission is a very modest church with its simple architecture and simplicity. But these are the reasons it'll get your attention also. It blends well with the local architecture and its shades of brown paint. This is the oldest catholic church built in USA around 1610. It has a lot of rich history behind, including destruction, reconstruction and so much more. Admission is symbolic and it is a nice place to visit in Santa Fe!

the entrance to the church
Tanja N.

San Miguel Chanel is better known as the oldest church in the continental United States. It is located in the Barrio de Analco, a historic district of Santa Fe, right across from the oldest house. The barrio was founded by Tlaxcala Indians and the adobe church was built by the supervision of Franciscan friars for soldiers and Indians that lived in these quarters in early 1600's.

Front of the Church
Jacques I.

Oldest church in the U.S.! San Miguel Mission is a must while visiting Santa Fe. It's truly a historic gem, and for only $2 admission, you can walk around, take pictures and really get the sense of the church's history and beyond. It's also very surprising for how long the church has been established since 1610, it's very well kept and maintained. You can even ring the gigantic bell inside! Located in downtown Santa Fe, the church is among other tourists sites, shops and businesses, so it's a convenient stop while in town. Adjacent to the church is also a gift shop that sells a lot of handmade items from New Mexico, including where you get admission tickets. I would encourage anyone visiting to check out San Miguel, the oldest church in the United States.

the entrance to the church
MIlton S.

The sound of church bells is one of tenderness and gentleness! It is created by "felt" on metal, not metal on metal. And "felt" on metal produces a tender, gentle sound, not a sharp, harsh sound. It's like someone you love running their fingers through your hair, compared to someone pulling your hair. And in the tenderness and gentleness of that sound of the church bells, you feel the tenderness and gentleness of god's love as he whispers "I love you" with a delicate musicality. It is that subtle, gentle musicality that is the basis for my love the tender, gentle bells of The San Miguel Mission. The gentle bells run their fingers through my hair and whisper I love you, and in my mind's eye, it is my love running her fingers through my hair and whispering I love you, ever so softly. And in that moment, I find peace, tender peace, because in the end, there is no charm equal to tenderness of heart. - Originally built around 1610, of The San Miguel Mission is often referred to as the oldest church in the United States.

Oldest church in the US, 1610
Yuko H.

Oldest Church structure in the continental USA ca 1610... That's around the time of Jamestown and Plymouth. While it may not sound that old compared to churches in Europe, and design here is much simpler but considering what was available back then, only 100 years after the Columbus's first settlement, it is amazingly well constructed. The original adobe walls are still largely intact. Environment could be harsh here in dry climates. Using what is known by native Americans at that time, this mission was build under the direction of Franciscan Padres. Reading about this mission made me realize how much I didn't know about US history. This mission is still used as a church on Sunday, in fact, when I first arrived in Santa Fe, they were in the middle of the service. I came back after the service was over to go inside. Inside was simple. I really admired the ceiling (knowledge and technology used to construct the ceiling). No wonder why it is still in tact after all these years. They also have the original bell on display. Just come in and feel the history and admire the Adobe building. Oh, while you are there, stop by to look for the oldest house in the continental US.

Heather T.

This was our first stop in Santa Fe and it was a nice start to the day of exploration. Parking is hard to find so we parked at the visitor center which gave us 30 minutes. Turns out that was plenty of time as it is a small but beautiful church. I love walking into a place ripe with history. The entry fee is $1 per person and well worth it as it helps with preserving this historical wonder for years to come.

Jamie W.

I get really excited to take pictures of places like San Miguel Mission. The outside architecture is simple but beautiful. I loved how much history is contained within it's walls. It's interesting that the bell inside the cathedral is much older than the church itself. Like other churches, it has it's ornate details but there is also something pleasantly rustic about it, too. I do however think it's strange to charge money for a church and it not be implied in any way that the money is actually going to the upkeep of the church. There is a large partition once you step inside so that you can't see anything unless you pay so that felt a little touristy and took a something away from the experience. Yes, it's only a dollar but I'm from the mindset that churches should by and large be open to the public. Otherwise, a definite go see.

Steve R.

This is officially the oldest standing structure I have ever been in. This was beyond fascinating just to see and touch something of such historical value. through glass protection you can look through and see the original flooring also is a section you can see the original wall structure. The outside of the building, you can see the mixture of everything from rock to straw and grass mixed in like a stucco that was used for strength and durability to protect against the elements. I mean when you're standing in this church you have to stop and think this was built before Columbus even discovered America. The person in the store was incredibly nice and very helpful with any questions there are tapestries on the wall and one of the original bell that you can strike with a rubber mallet the sound was incredible. We bought an expensive gift from the gift shop to give a little support and say we have something from the oldest standing structure in America. kind of neat I guess. You don't really have to be a history buff to appreciate this. Put it on your stop if you come through downtown Santa Fe for sure. See you down the road...

Paisley T.

Be a tourist. Live some history. Come and ring the bell. (don't be shy). It's so crazy to me that we have this mission church right here in the US. When I step in I'm reminded of the churches I've seen in Europe and Latin America. I'm referring to those really OLD and really BAROQUE churches. The kind you see on TV and read about in textbooks. The reality of Spanish colonialism history will just fascinate you. Try to understand what you are looking at when you walk in. Because the reality is: this place is small, dusty, and old. It's more like a dated edifice housing historic religious artifacts that are faded and weathered. Well, that's history folks. Entrance costs less than $5 and you can stop in the gift shop and buy a little whooosiewhatsit to remember.

Hubby and I stopped by on two separate days (Saturday and Sunday), but this church was not open. It was a little disappointing that there was not more availability to visit inside the Oldest Church in the US.

Front door of church
Maria F.

It was a surreal experience to be inside this very old church. I was overwhelmed with emotion to be inside a historic and holy place. Kudos to the people who have kept this place in great shape.

This is a pic I took of the church from the front.  To the left,  in the alley is the oldest home in the U. S.
Linda M.

Historical sites as this are always fascinating to see. The unreal blue skies atop the church are stunning. There's a bell in the church from the 1300s. This church is deemed the oldest church in the United States, 1610. The adobe walls and altar are original. It is situated on the Old Santa Fe Trail, Route 66. While here check out the Oldest House in the U. S. next to it in the alley. Both places are haunted and built on top of Anasazi kivas, etc. Down the street is the Fonda, which is also a hot spot for paranormal activity, particularly in the dining area.

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A must see. Really reminded us of the California missions. Beautiful old church which shows us a glimpse of the past.

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Review Highlights - San Miguel Chapel

It is that subtle, gentle musicality that is the basis for my love the tender, gentle bells of The San Miguel Mission.

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The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi - Interior: altar

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

4.5(107 reviews)
0.3 mi

Gayle and I returned to the Basilica as part of our Santa Fe Footprints walking tour. Our guide…read more(Terry) provided history of Bishop Lamy's work in Santa Fe, and with help from the Jewish Community at the time. That's why you'll see the Hebrew for God at the entrance to the Basilica. Apparently, the statue of Bishop Lamy was also an espionage meeting point during the Manhattan Project. There there's the La Conquistadora Chapel: the only surviving portion of an older church destroyed in the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. It houses a 30-inch wooden statue of the Virgin Mary brought from Spain in 1624, making it the oldest representation of the Blessed Virgin in the United States. At the entrance is the statue of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American canonized by the Catholic Church. Rather than traditional Mohawk attire, she is depicted in Native Pueblo style. And there's more, and something to discover for yourself as you wander in. Helpful docents were available just into the Church during our visit. There's also a pretty good gift shop just as you come in.

What a beautiful and historic basilica names after an inspiring Saint…read more The entire edifice is carefully adorned with details that point to Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. I was in awe of every part as it uplifted my heart and inspired my soul. Being the Christmas season, there were additional adornments such as a stunning tin decorated tree and an intricately hand-carved wood nativity. We also had the privilege to see a children's nativity and songs. It was so touching and those putting it on invites us to join and enjoy a meal with them.

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The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

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Blaze Christian Fellowship - Sunday services 8:30 and 10 am

Blaze Christian Fellowship

5.0(1 review)
8.3 mi

Let me start by saying I am a member of Blaze Christian Fellowship, and have been attending this…read morechurch for quite some time (over 5 years). I love this church! The pastors are awesome, and are without a doubt fully committed to preaching the Gospel in it's entirety. Their focus on theology is refreshing, to say the least. If you have kiddos, they have an awesome children's ministry with a staff that have a real heart for children! They break down the Gospel, and teach it to the kids at their level (I'm always blown away with how much Gospel application is taught! The understanding my 6 year old gets during Sunday school is incredible! He actually gets mad at us when we miss church. LOL!). There is a true sense of community at Blaze that extends far beyond the walls of the church building, a real sense that you are surrounded by people who actually care, and are willing to walk alongside you through your ups and downs, which brings me to my next point: Community Groups. Community groups are awesome! I can't understate how vital community groups have been to me, personally, in my walk with Jesus! However, this is a huge part of the church that is not experienced by attending a Sunday service. Unfortunately, many people will never understand how important community groups are. There is something special about getting together, sharing a meal, and discussing the sermon that was preached. It's encouraging and challenging. In closing, as a resident of Santa Fe, NM, I have witnessed and participated first hand in meeting needs in our community alongside the members and staff of Blaze. It's a great place to attend if you're looking for a Bible believing, Gospel-centered church that doesn't compromise the message to fit into any mold. PS - If you'd like to listen to a sermon or two before you actually attend, check out the website: www.blazeonline.org

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Blaze Christian Fellowship

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San Miguel Chapel - churches - Updated June 2026

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