San Francisco de Asis Church in Taos, NM

The San Francisco de Asis Church in Taos, NM has been painted and photographed so often a large percentage of the public has likely seen it if not known what it is. Built sometime in the 18th century by Spanish settlers and their new neighbors, the Pueblo Indians, this church was constructed one adobe clay brick at a time with no windows or doors.

Twin bell towers grace the tops and there is an arched entrance that opens up into a courtyard which is enclosed by real adobe plaster walls. The church has timber rafters for support which is a striking and rustic contrast to the adobe. The alter screens are beautiful with its carved pieces and painted panels. The style of construction is early American Southwest with a touch of Mission Precursor.

A tour typically starts every thirty minutes or so and visitors have to wind their way through the garden in order to enter this church. It is still a working church so that you may end up sharing it with someone praying or even a Sunday service. The artwork inside is fabulous, represented with such works like famous "Shadow of the Cross" which was painted by Henri Auldt and featured an element that makes Christ and the Cross

You will discover that the San Francisco de Asis Church offers a presentation by video every thirty minutes which highlights certain key tidbits of information like how the cross in the painting "Shadow of the Cross" disappears. All in all, this beautiful little church offers a brief, Southwestern respite from other historical landmarks of significance.