The legend goes that the Santo Nino goes our every night to help people and wears out his shoes. The main chapel is decorated with folk art wood carvings not to be missed. The side altar, where the Santo Nino is, is filled with baby shoes and gifts to help the Santo Nino on his journeys. Photos of children cover the walls, however photography is forbidden. It is so quiet and peaceful here I just go and enjoy the ambiance.
The moments I spent in this chapel were among the most meaningful of my visit to this area. I knew several women who were expecting and in this sweet little chapel with so many gifts from so many children, my heat was touched. I spent a sweet time in prayer and think of the chapel whenever I see the children I prayed for.
Hear and see the story of the Child Saint and see the collection of shoes left to honor him. Located adjacent to the Sanctuario de Chimayo. Makes for a great visit to holy sites.
Nino de Atocha is Christ as a child, particularly from a miracle in Spain where he visited prisoners who had no families. On the original statue, his shoes were worn out from walking at night. The tradition is to bring a gift of baby shoes to Nino de Atocha, and a side chapel has many pairs of shoes on it. (The donated shoes are given to poor children.) The chapel itself is beautiful, well worth a visit for those who love to see churches.
We've visited this chapel for decades. This once private chapel and bell tower sat barely noticed by tourists. In about 2007, artist Fernando Bimonte gained money to refurbish the chapel and has done a remarkable job. It's given the area a second attraction to El Santuario de Chimayo. Bimonte told me that this chapel is dedicated to freedom and happiness. The Santo Nino de Atocha is revered as the child Jesus who appeared to pilgrims in Spain to guide them along safely to their destinations (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santo_Ni%C3%B1o_de_Atocha. In order for the little Jesus to do his nighttime work, he would wear out his shoes. Those who seek guidance and safety to their next destination (and now also for healing) bring baby shoes for him. At Chimayo's Santo Nino Chapel there are shelves full of baby shoes offered for those purposes. Additionally all of the art you see within the chapel was done by, or guided by Fernando Bimonte. When you see a figure holding a black sash in its hands, it represents breaking free of its bonds, the first step toward freedom and happiness . . . and artistic expression. The bell tower, silent for more than 100 years, now rings free. The Santo Nino chapel is a both a symbol and a celebration of victory over oppression.
A very lovely chapel dedicated to children. Also a must see! Don't forget to drop in to the gift shop and the trading post next door. The have the best sun dried chili powders in the world for sale there.
you can't take photos of the chapels in the area otherwise i would upload to show the world how amazing these places are. this is all folk art, all hand crafted and hand carved wood. there are actually 2 big churches and 2 smaller chapels. i am not religious at all and still i loved all the churches in this area, i highly recommend stopping for at least 10 minutes here. one of the shops in teh area by the way is famous for their chile powder, people buy and take back for cooking.
This chapel is in the same area as El Santuario de Chimayo, very close to the main attraction. This chapel is filled with lovely art, as well as photos, baby clothes and shoes, and handwritten notes related to children on whose behalf friends and relatives have requested divine intervention. It's really nice.I was only able to pop in and then pop right back out of this chapel. My friend and I stopped briefly during a dental road trip, so I was not able to take all the time I wanted to look and reflect. I hope to visit again some day.
The artists that contribute to this special chapel are true artisians that have a love for protecting and praying for children.
This gorgeous little chapel is dedicated to children. Beautiful architecture, sculpture, carvings, tiles....and the healing and message it brings for children.There is a gift shop, as with Chimayo, with saint cards & medals, rosaries, religious statues available. Restrooms. An easy walking area. Parking was not a problem, nearby/free. The Chimayo Sanctuary is less than a 5 minute walk from Nino. There are little shops and galleries as well on the street. The setting is rural and takes you back in time. The drive is on an easy winding road in this rural enchanting area.