June 12, 2018
We spent the morning in Santa Fe before hitting the road toward Amarillo. First, we went back to the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi to see the interior.
The cathedral was built by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy between 1869 and 1886. There had been two previous churches on the same site, the oldest in 1626, which was destroyed in a revolt, and an adobe church built 1714-1717. The new cathedral was built around the adobe church, which was dismantled when the construction was complete, only a small chapel remaining from that previous church. (Information from Wikipedia.)
The altar
baptismal font
The cathedral was built in Romantic Romanesque style, which featured high round arches supported by columns and square towers.
The stained glass windows of the apostles (along the side walls) and the rose window in back were imported from France.
religious relics and art
A side chapel, possibly the one saved from the previous church
Stations or “Way” of the Cross – every Roman Catholic church has 14 of these, depicting Christ’s passion and crucifixion.
View looking toward the back of the church
Rose window and organ pipes
Outer doors
The simplicity of the décor and design is what made the church beautiful for me. Below, stained glass window with candle, “Receive the Light of Christ.”
The basilica is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. It was officially elevated to a basilica by Pope Benedict in 2005.
Leaving the cathedral, we walked toward the Georgia O’Keefe museum, passing Burro Alley.
This mosaic on a building wall may have been in Burro Alley, but I can’t remember.
I will write separate posts about the Georgia O’Keefe Museum and the state capitol.
Stay tuned!
Wanderlust & Wonderment 
Nothing creates a feeling of peace like older churches filled with stained glass , very nice
Yes, I agree, Alice!