San Francisco de Asís Catholic Mission Church

Hidden Gem in Taos History, Faith & Local Flavor 🌄⛪ We came for breakfast at Ranchos Plaza Grill and ended up discovering one of the most beautiful and meaningful landmarks in New Mexico the San Francisco de Asís Catholic Mission Church. Located right in the heart of the historic Ranchos de Taos Plaza, this adobe masterpiece feels like stepping back in time. The exterior is stunning classic Southwestern architecture with thick adobe walls, soft earthy tones, and twin bell towers against the deep blue sky. Inside, the church is peaceful and full of character: hand-carved wooden beams, traditional altar pieces, colorful candle racks, and warm natural light flowing through the windows. We took a short self-guided tour, bought a candle, and lit it while saying a small prayer a touching experience even for visitors of different backgrounds. There’s free parking in the plaza (first come, first served) and a small shop nearby selling candles, crosses and local souvenirs. After visiting the church, we walked right over to Ranchos Plaza Grill next door for a delicious breakfast the perfect combo of culture and local comfort food. If you’re visiting Taos, this is an absolute must-stop for anyone who appreciates art, history, and authenticity. 📍 Ranchos de Taos, NM 🕊️ Peaceful, historic, and deeply inspiring

The church is locked except during services, so you can't go inside, but the outside is beautiful! Be sure to check out the gallery/shop near the main highway...great prices, especially compared to the places in Taos. No tickets required

Church was open, it was the Saturday after Thanksgiving ground 10:00 am, it was empty. The parking lot behind it, where people leave their cars to go to a restaurant next to the church, was extremely busy. The church is very well kept and clean inside, the grounds outside are nicely kept too.

It was a very small Catholic church, but as someone from out of town, it truly felt warm and welcoming, almost like a close-knit small community.

Beautiful, peaceful and ancient church. Do visit of you get a chance to admire the adobe style architecture, great sculptures and of course the sense of peace one might feel in places like this. The place will be crowded on Sundays and parking will be hard

Beautiful. Historic. There are a few restaurants and shops nearby if you go after 10am, so you can really take your time. The building is beautiful, but more historically remarkable. Keep in mind this still a practicing church. Be respectful.

Peace envelopes you as you walk through the doors, the structure is so well insulated and the interior is altogether calm and serene. The devotion shines through in the architecture and Father Ryan's homily was completely thought provoking and unexpected. I would love to return to see the other chapels and painting.

We visited the grounds of San Francisco de Asís Mission Church in Taos. Even without going inside, the adobe architecture and historic setting were beautiful and worth the stop.

This adobe mission church is one the most photographed in New Mexico. It's open to tourists and also on the trolley stop, with a quick visit to enjoy the garden and interior.

Easy to see how this beautiful New Mexico Spanish Colonial Church inspired artists like Georgia O'Keefe and Ansel Adams to capture its unique charm. With clean adobe lines and huge buttresses, it is an architectural and spiritual gem. Built between 1772 and 1816, it is the only original church which remains intact in the Taos area. As an active place of worship, the parishioners and the community members gather annually to re-plaster the historic adobe church. Known as "The Enjarre" or "The Mudding" of the church, volunteers mix an authentic blend of clay, sand, straw, and water into a thick mud paste. Layer by layer, the paste is applied from the top to the bottom of the church and then buffed with a sheepskin to reinforce the walls to be a resilient barrier to withstand the elements for another year. A bit tricky to find as the church is tucked away off the main highway, but definitely worth a visit.

This church is around 200 years old and was made famous by Ansel Adams and Georgia O'Keefe. It is off of Highway 68 but when you turn off the highway you see the back of the church. Every June they redo the adobe and it was interesting to watch the process and, fortunately, the construction equipment wasn't in our pictures of the church. No photos allowed inside the church! Friendly people in the gift shop.

I love this church. For lots of reasons. I'm just sad that they no longer keep the doors open so you can just go in and pray and enjoy the space.

Amazing. Magnificent. Serene. When you visit Taos, make sure you journey to this architechtural and artistic wonder in Ranchos de Taos. The Plaza is quiet and serene and as you walk around the church, you will see beautiful adobe houses (along with some ruins), a few galleries, and one restaurant. You can certainly spend some time here. Before you leave the church area, make sure to stop in the gift shop.

What a unique and picturesque church! No wonder it caught the attention of Georgia O'Keefe and Ansel Adams, among others. Adobe wonder. The inside is gorgeous as well. And, best of all, my fiancé and I got to see "The Shadow of the Cross", the mysterious painting that glows in the dark for an unknown reason. They've had it tested; there is no phosphorous or any other material in the paint. Yet, when the lights are turned off, the area around the figure of Christ is lit up and a cross (which is not in the painting) appears. I also saw movement of the figure, stars in the sky, and more. Fascinating! You need to make a reservation and a donation of your choice is suggested. There is also a cute gift shop. I am a lapsed Catholic but still love the symbology so bought a medal: St. Michael on one side and St. Christopher on the other.

This place may look a little familiar to you - Among the many representations of the church, it's been famously painted by Georgia O'Keeffe a handful of times and photographed by the great Ansel Adams many times. There is a little sign outside of the church stating that it is the most photographed and painted church in the world. San Francisco de Assisi Church marks the end of the High Road to Taos to me. We usually stop in to this place, enjoy the beautiful architecture, snap some shots, and then make our way over to the Taos Inn to rest a bit before we head to the Adobe Bar and Doc Martin's for dinner. The church was built in the early 1800s by Franciscan priests. It is an adobe mission style church and is in the best condition of the many adobe style churches on the High Road to Taos, that are equally as old. The church's congregation is still very active and contribute to keeping this historic landmark and World Heritage Site in primo condition. That being said BE MINDFUL that Mass might be going on while you are there. They definitely welcome visitors, but this is still a church. If you have the time, check the Mass schedule, and try to attend, even if you aren't Catholic. The services that I have walked in on seem to have a very uplifting feeling! The architecture of this church is beautiful - the buttresses (most commonly what you see in photographs) support the back of the church. It's very pleasing and symmetrical from the front with the three white crosses adorning the two bell towers and the main entrance - making a BEAUTIFULLY breathtaking photograph on the bluest of blue-sky days! The sanctuary is rather large, with a choir loft above the entrance. There's also beautiful Spanish woodworking on the alter, called Retablos, which can be seen in most all Spanish churches of this area. If you are a photo bug, put this stop on your list. The church itself is not directly IN the town of Taos, but a couple of miles outside on St Francis (NM68). And don't miss the beautiful painting in the church office across the small parking lot - It's a special treat!

Pretty breathtaking if you're into rad looking adobe architecture. The Catholic Church is surprisingly decorative inside, but I guess that's the Catholic way...always historically reliant for grand and brilliant interiors. Also, make some time to see the "Shadow of the Cross" viewings, no matter if you're a radical or atheist, it's worth seeing. The ladies that run the gift shop are dolls, loved meeting and getting to know them. Lovely gals!

Truly a piece of art. This church transports you to a different time and place when you stand in it's courtyard and gaze at the sun shining down on the adobe. It is easy to see why so many artists have used it as a centerpiece in their works. It is an amazing piece of architecture that is not to be missed when in Taos!

This is a wonderful example of a traditional adobe church. If you can't come away with terrific photos (at any time of day) then you've got your eyes closed. The outside has these wonderful sculptural structural supports and if you look closely you can see the straw that is part of the adobe. The interior is such a great contrast from the natural exterior surfaces. Inside, it's cool and painted white with a beautiful series of religious paintings. It's a working church and we got to see part of a wedding mass which was very touching. The priest has a nice sense of humor and is a good speaker. Surrounding the church are a series of traditional smaller structures complete with beautifully turquoise painted doorways. One quite note - it's closer to town then you'd think and it's the back side of the church that faces the highway, so it can be easy to miss.

Beautiful church made famous by Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams. There is a painting done by Henri Ault called, "Shadow of the Cross," that you can pay to see. Although it looks like a regular painting, when the light is turned off, it is suppose to miraculously emit a glow. We did pay to see it but I think the sliver of light from the door to the left of the painting is what makes it seem like the paint glows. Still fun to see.

San Francisco de Assisi, the most photographed & painted church in the world. Made most famous by the great paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe & the amazing black & white photography of Ansel Adams, that happens to be one of my most favorite coffee table books ;) If you haven't seen his book of work, check him out. Also, the church office houses one of the most incredible works of art. A 1896 painting by a little Canadian-French artist "the shadow of the cross" by Henri Ault. A must see while in Taos. Turn the lights off, watch the painting come to life as Christ by the sea of Galilee ignites with a powerful glow, like a beacon in the night. Hubby & I visited the church Christmas morning b4 heading over to Taos Pueblo for the day of festivities there. I was so thrilled to see this magnificent place for the first time, take some pics, as I have always wanted to paint it myself & add it to my own collection of artwork ;) I jumped out of the car quickly soon as we drove up bc there was a hot air balloon flyin over the church! I wanted to get that photo! lol What a amazing painting that would be with the balloon flying over! I took many pics, stumbling all around the church & the courtyard, just clicking away! It was just as beautiful as any painting I had ever seen & much more. Then, as we got in the car, getting ready to leave, adjusting my scarf in the mirror, I realized one of my earrings was gone!! Hubby had a pair of earrings custom made for me with my name engraved in them that he had just given me for Christmas that morning & one was missing!!! I. Freaked. Out. I was already in the car so hubby says lets just back track our steps from this morning when I gave them to you and look for it. Back to the hotel we went, looking everywhere. The lobby & outside the hotel. Showing the remaining earring to everyone, asking if they had seen one like it anywhere?! We went back to the diner where we had breakfast, asked the people sitting at the table where we had been sitting if they seen it?! They got up & helped us look all around. The whole staff of the restaurant helped me look for my earring. No where was it to be found. I looked in the parking lot & the car. No earring. I was in tears as I had lost my hubby's very special Christmas gift in only two hours!?!?! My hubby suggested we go back to San Francisco de Assisi & take one last look around. We go back to the church. I jump out of the car again! I start retracing my steps where I was running around aimlessly looking up at the hot air ballon flying over the church & suddenly BAM! Glistening right there in the sunlight, in the courtyard, right in front of the statue of Mary, was my earring! :))))) It was a divine intervention! Thank you Holy Mary Mother of Christ! Aside from having my own incredible Christmas tale to tell about The San Francisco de Assisi church, I can't paint the painting fast enough! LOL The painting...Hot air balloon high above three white crosses in the pure blue sky, Taos village & the Sangre de Cristo white snow capped mountains in the background, the glistening sun on the statue of Mary in the courtyard, green Christmas reef on the door.... "The Francisco de Assisi Holy Mother Mary full of grace & the lost earring" Inspiring place? Hail Mary! Double check! lol

This church is lovingly maintained and worth a quick visit.

My date and I had a great time visiting this amazing place. Unfortunately we arrived after 4 PM so the church was closed but we did get to walk around the exterior which is a good experience in itself if you are at all in admiration of adobe architecture. My date and I ended up staying in Taos that evening and decided to head back to the church to visit the office and see the famous "The Shadow of the Cross" by Henri Ault (1896) that is housed in the church office (to the east side of the actual church) and depicts a barefoot Jesus Christ at the sea of Galilee. After watching a ~15 minute video documenting the history of the church and the painting, the docent will return and show you the light switch so you can turn the lights shining on the painting on or off. Talk about incredible. When the lights are turned off on this painting, an eerie luminescence gradually emerges, making the painting appear 3D. A cross appears over the left shoulder of Jesus. All of this was a surprise to the painter and modern science hasn't come up with a conclusive explanation (it was painted before radium was discovered and when tested with Geiger counters the results have been negative). Once my date and I left the site, we both confessed that it looked like his cloak was blowing in the wind. I'm not an overly religious person but seeing this in person truly sent chills down my spine and brought a sense of wonder to my heart. There have been some theories on why the painting exhibits the attributes that it does but in my mind it was still a very incredible thing to witness. So is it a well-crafted optical illusion or something more? I would recommend for anyone in the Taos area to go to San Francisco de Asis Church so you can make up your own mind!

A true historic must see in Taos. This old school real adobe structure is a functioning church m. The inside of the building is gorgeous and the outside offers awesome photography opportunities. There is a gift shop with great souvenirs and all proceeds benefit the church. Once a year the structure is coated with a new layer of adobe clay and straw to reinforce and preserve it- its a beautiful piece of history.

San Francisco de Asis Church, tucked away in the Taos back country, is far from the crowds, though immortalized in Ansel Adams' photographs and Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings. It has a timeless, simple splendor, its brown walls echoing against the stark blue sky. On the outside, it is spartan, but within, it is elaborate. It's more rustic than say, the Californian missions of Dolores, Carmel or Santa Barbara. It's far off the beaten path of Fr. Junipero Serra. The church office, however, conceals a great secret. Henri Ault's painting "The Shadow of the Cross." In normal light, it looks normal. A painting of Christ by the Sea of Galilee. Turn off the lights, and it glows. Yet another enigmatic Frenchman in New Mexico... like the one who built the spiral staircase in Santa Fe's Loretto Chapel. San Francisco de Asis is a beautiful place for prayer and contemplation.

Simple, elegant architecture, best viewed in late afternoon sunlight. We wanted to see the mystery painting, but it's in the office that happened to be locked when we visited at 3:45PM on a Saturday. Not a lot to see inside the church itself. Definitely worth visiting because it's literally 200 yds off the main road and a visit only takes 5 minutes.

This is an amazing place to come visit and see. The GPS drove us right on by, but there are signs everywhere for it and it's right off the main road in Taos. There's definitely a feeling of peace when you stand outside and see the subject of so many great pieces of art. It's a must-see if you come into Taos.

This magnificent Church is famous for the BACK of it, and is 200 years old, wonderful open 9-4 Mon-Sat Locks up after 12:30 on Sunday

We just happened to come across this church. We stopped for lunch while passing through the area and weren't ready to hop back in the care yet. There are cute little shops around it with owners who were happy to answer any questions we had. The church itself was beautiful inside and outside.

The drive to Taos is the reward, not the destination. Don't get to excited about this church, its nothing special. Definitely make the pilgrimage to get here though, taking the high road on one direction, and the low road on the other.