Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi
United States·Santa Fe·Archdiocese of Santa Fe
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, commonly known as Saint Francis Cathedral, is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in New Mexico. It stands as a significant example of Romanesque Revival architecture, built to replace an older adobe church and incorporating elements from its predecessor. The cathedral was designated a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.
Key Facts
- ›Construction began in 1869 under Bishop Jean Baptiste Lamy, with French architects and Italian stone masons.
- ›The cathedral was built around the existing La Parroquia, an adobe church dating back to the early 18th century, which was later demolished.
- ›It was dedicated in 1887 and designed in the Romanesque Revival style using yellow limestone blocks.
- ›The La Conquistadora Chapel within the cathedral houses a 17th-century Madonna statue and salvaged altar sections from the original Parroquia Church.
- ›The cathedral was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI on October 4, 2005.
- ›Renovations and additions, including new bronze doors and a Blessed Sacrament Chapel, occurred in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Romanesque Revival
La Conquistadora Madonna Statue
Franciscans
French Architects
About Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, commonly known as Saint Francis Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico. It holds the distinction of being the mother church for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
History and Construction
The current cathedral's construction was initiated in 1869 by Bishop Jean Baptiste Lamy. He brought in French architects and Italian stone masons to build the new edifice. Significantly, the new cathedral was constructed around the existing La Parroquia, an adobe church built between 1714 and 1717, which itself replaced an earlier church from 1626. Once the new stone structure was complete, La Parroquia was demolished, with only a small chapel on the north side being preserved. The Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi was dedicated in 1887.
The architectural design is in the Romanesque Revival style, a notable contrast to the prevalent adobe architecture of the region. The cathedral is constructed from yellow limestone blocks quarried near Lamy, New Mexico. It features characteristic round arches supported by Corinthian columns, and its large rose window, along with those depicting the Twelve Apostles in the lateral nave windows, were imported from France. The original plan included 160-foot steeples for its two truncated square towers, but financial constraints prevented their full construction.
Interior and Notable Features
The interior of the cathedral houses several significant elements. The nave contains a baptismal font made of Brazilian granite, dedicated in 2001, and displays the Stations of the Cross, restored in the Santero style. The sanctuary features a replica of the San Damiano Crucifix above the altar and an 18th-century statue of St. Francis of Assisi.
A particularly historic section is the La Conquistadora Chapel, which incorporates the oldest part of the building from the original Parroquia Church. This chapel is home to the venerated wooden Madonna statue known as La Conquistadora, brought from Spain in 1626. The chapel also contains salvaged altar sections from the Parroquia Church dating to the mid-1700s.
Renovations and Designations
Throughout its history, the cathedral has undergone several renovations. In 1967, contractors added a Blessed Sacrament Chapel and sacristies, and the structure was reinforced. A significant restoration in 1986 saw the installation of new bronze front doors by artist Donna Quasthoff, each featuring ten panels depicting the history of the Catholic Church in Santa Fe. In 2005, a small round window featuring a dove, a replica of Bernini's design for St. Peter's Basilica, was added to the upper façade. On October 4, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI elevated the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi to the status of a minor basilica.
Cultural Significance
The cathedral's history and appearance have also found their way into art and literature. A fictionalized account of its origins is featured in Willa Cather's novel "Death Comes for the Archbishop." Its prominent location off the Santa Fe plaza has made it a subject for numerous artists.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi built?
Construction of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi began in 1869. It was dedicated in 1887, with subsequent renovations and additions made in later years.
What architectural style is Saint Francis Cathedral?
The cathedral is designed in the Romanesque Revival style. This is evident in its characteristic round arches and Corinthian columns, standing in contrast to the surrounding adobe structures.
What is the significance of La Conquistadora Chapel?
La Conquistadora Chapel is the oldest part of the building, incorporated from the original Parroquia Church. It houses the historic La Conquistadora Madonna statue, brought from Spain in 1626, and salvaged altar pieces.
Is Saint Francis Cathedral a minor basilica?
Yes, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi was elevated to a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI on October 4, 2005.
What is the history of the site before the current cathedral?
The current cathedral was built on the site of La Parroquia, an adobe church constructed between 1714 and 1717, which itself replaced a church built in 1626 that was destroyed in 1680 during the Pueblo Revolt.
What is notable about the keystone above the main entrance?
The keystone above the main entrance features a triangle with a Hebrew tetragrammaton carved into it. While a 19th-century story suggests it was placed to thank Jewish contributors, this has not been verified.
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