The Church in Ranchos
and the Art of Religion

By Rebekah Powers | December 2021

Chimayo Trading Del Norte is on the north edge of the plaza in Ranchos, in the morning shadow of San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church. The Adobe architecture is a feat of large scale sculpture in itself, magnificent and humble at the same time. Made of the clay and straw, maintained by the people, the church is a reflection of the Saint who abdicated a life of privilege after a revelation that led him to see God in all the creatures of the earth, and in the order of the planet.

Carvings of the Saint often include birds representing his love of animals. An ecologist and master of simple living, St. Francis would fit right in with the permaculture and earth ship communities and progressive thinkers in Taos today. He also would have been aligned with Native American views of the natural world and exemplified a harmonious spiritual confluence of Spanish and Indian beliefs.

Described as the most photographed church in North America, this particular church draws a lot of people to the Ranchos de Taos Plaza. Some people come to the church for mass, as generations have for over 200 years. Some bring cameras to capture the different planes of light and color that change throughout the day, a sight that once entranced Ansel Adams. The painters spend the day, taking breaks from the easel to come into the gallery, or enjoy a taste of the best New Mexican cuisine anywhere at the Ranchos Plaza Grill.

In the late afternoon sun, the shadow of the gallery’s portico stretches toward the church. It is said this is the best time to sense the spirit of St. Francis, as the warmth of the day emanates from the church made from earth. Birdsong reminds us of the unifying power of peace and equality for all the creatures of the earth great snd small.

Come to the plaza at the heart of Ranchos de Taos and take a step into history.

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Come to the gallery to see where History Meets Art in Taos..

#1 Saint Francis Church Plaza
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

575.758.0504

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