We wanted to do a little something on our last day in Santa Fe. CT had mentioned we ought to go to Chimayo, if we hadn't already, and visit the El Santuario de Chimayo. It has been called, "no doubt the most important Catholic pilgrimage center in the United States." It receives over 300,000 visitors a year!
It was a pretty drive up the "High Road to Taos" to Chimayo. The church is 60' long and 24' wide with walls more than 3' thick and was built in 1813.
There is a small room in the church called el pocito with a small pit in the floor, the source of the "holy dirt" that is felt to have healing powers. Pilgrims, over 30,000 strong, during Holy Week, walk to the church from all over, as far away as Albuquerque, 90 miles distant, seeking blessings or in fulfillment of a vow.
The attention to detail is apparent.
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| Window detail |
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| One of two bell towers |
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| Grounds behind the church |
It was a very interesting visit. You are not allowed to take any pictures inside the church, suffice to say it was very beautiful. The church is open every day, and has a mass every day.
Well, on the way back, we kept thinking about lunch at the Pantry, after all I hadn't gotten my Chili Rellenos fix yet. So we veered downtown and I had awesome Rellenos, and Jan had delicious chicken quesadillos, so our Pantry fix was taken care of!
Off to Durango tomorrow morning.
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