Not only is the Shrine itself a magnificent site but the surrounding countryside is simply beautiful. The small town of Chimayo is situated among the hills and mountains between Santa Fe and Taos and east of Espanola with some of the most eye appealing scenery and colors that you will find anywhere in the west.
Sanctuario de Chimayo
The story of the Shrine is absolutely one of a kind.
The adobe church which was completed in 1816 is one of the finest preserved and non restored examples of a small adobe church. Today's visitor will find original decorations including numerous religious paintings.
The story of how the Chimayo Shrine came to be is very interesting.
The Crucifix
Around 1810 a friar was performing penances when he saw a bright light in the surrounding hills. Upon digging at the location he found a crucifix and brought it back with him to Santa Cruz where he notified Father Sabastian Alvarez of this finding.
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| El Sanctuario de Chimayo, Courtesy NPS |
Because these events with the crucifix were considered an omen that this ground was sacred a small chapel was built there. The story of the site is that the dirt from the floor of the chapel, the very place that once held the miraculous Crucifix, had healing powers given to it from God. The healings of the sick (many of these have been documented in detail) quickly began and there were so many of them that a new larger chapel had to be built.
The same crucifix can still be seen in the chapel and there is a sand pit within whose contents are considered to have healing powers. There is also a prayer room inside the chapel which contains crutches and braces that have been discarded by those who have been healed by the sand found in the pit. El Sanctuario de Chimayo is visited by upwards of 200,000 people annually with Holy Week being the busiest time. This shrine site is known throughout the world and as such receives many international tourists each year.
A Must Trip from Santa Fe
I have visited this area several times and the scenery is simply beautiful. The drive from Santa Fe is a short one and well worth it. It's a very popular side trip when visiting Santa Fe. In addition to the shrine there are art galleries and smaller scale restaurants in the immediate area. A day there with your camera will be quite rewarding. You'll probably want to take a dozen pictures on the drive to Chimayo alone. A visit to Chimayo as part of your Santa Fe vacation is well worth it and is a simple half day trip.
Chimayo is located 29 miles north of Santa Fe on NM-76. An approximate 40 minute drive.
Links to two additional Western Trips articles you'll enjoy include...
The Historic Spanish Mission at Ranchos de Taos
The Historic Church at Galisteo
As a side note, just outside town is one of the best restaurants you will experience. Rancho de Chimayo is quite historic itself and is in a beautiful setting with both indoor and outdoor seating. The food is terrific and priced moderately. I definitely recommend it.
For more detailed information I recommend website www.elsantuariodechimayo.us/history
(Article copyright Western Trips)
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