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Front of the mission |
It’s
been several years since I visited Taos, New Mexico, but when I do, one place
in particular draws my attention, the San Francisco de Assisi Mission. Situated
south of Taos and a few feet back from the curb, the mission is a small, adobe building
rich with history. Built between 1772 and 1816, every time I enter, I feel at
peace.
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Rear of the mission |
During
the 18th century, Spanish and Mexican civilian families moved from
Taos Pueblo to Ranchos de Taos to farm. To protect themselves from Comanche raids,
they built their homes and work buildings out of adobe and situated them close
together in a U-shape around a plaza, which became known as San Francisco Plaza.
Steadfast in their Catholic religion, they founded the San Francisco de Assisi
Mission, with the Franciscans overseeing the building of the church inside the
u shape. Construction of the mission was completed in 1816, featuring two front
facing bell towers with three white crosses adorning the towers and entryway. Four
beehive shaped buttresses support the back of the church and two buttresses in
front of each bell tower support the front of the church. Thick adobe walls
surround the church, the cemetery, and the forecourt.
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Original altar |
San
Francisco de Assisi Mission is the only original church to remain intact in the
Taos area, and has been photographed, drawn, and painted by several well-known
artists, including Georgia O’Keefe and Ansel Adams. Through the years, the
mission has undergone several restorations, most notably in 1967 when all of
the ceiling vigas and doors were replaced with reproductions. Every June, parishioners
and the community re-plaster the adobe in a project titled The Enjarre, or
mudding of the church.
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After the altar was repainted |
The
interior artwork of the church is breathtaking, with the altar decorated in
original Spanish woodwork and the wall behind the altar having been repainted
in 1981. The paintings behind the altar are believed to be oil paintings brought
to the mission from the Archdiocese of Mexico by way of Spain some 200 years
ago. Depictions of the 14 Stations of the Cross adorn the side walls of the
chapel. There is a balcony at the back of the church, but is roped off to
visitors. Research led me to discover the Santa Fe Desert Chorale has held
concerts in the church, but the author of the article does not know if the
choir sang from the balcony, as he had never attended one of their concerts.
Whether you’re a
history buff or a tourist, of religious beliefs or not, if your travels take
you to Taos, the San Francisco de Assisi Mission is one place you don’t want to
miss.
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The balcony |
2 comments:
What a great church. I love Taos!
Hi Kristy: We haven't been to Taos in years, but it is still one of my favorite places to visit. I love the mission. Much better to see in person than in pictures.
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