It is a little out of the way, but worth the walk to see the bell. The mission is considered to be the oldest church in the US (1610). The bell dates back to 1365.
I was there as a tourist but stumbled in on a mass. My friends and I stayed and felt renewed. Lovely environment and lovely a capella singing.
Definitely worth a visit while near the Old Santa Fe Trail. Said to be the oldest church in the US, it is of course replete with history. Simply adorable inside.
This is a relatively small building and a block or two from the major tourist area but do not miss visiting this historic building. This is the oldest church structure in the USA, dating from about 1610. It is a must-see for that reason alone. However, it is also beautiful in a very simple spiritual way.It costs $1.00 to visit but it is well-worth the small expense.
First: Liz was an excellent guide inside the church. She encouraged questions and was enthusiastic about the site. Second: the way history is peeled back for visitors while maintaining an active congregation is amazing. The church is alive and yet has the wisdom of age. Ring the bell, see the paintings and statues, but be sure to go to the rail and see the layers below the alter.
San Miguel Mission Church is the oldest established Church in the USA located in the corner of DeVargas Street and Old Santa Fe Trail...the BELL dates back to the 13th Century and was a Gift to the City of Santa Fe by the Spanish Court back int he early Sixteen Hundreds.
Walking behind the mission you will find the oldest house in Santa Fe as well. It gives you a sense of what it was like so very long ago.
It costs $1, but there is definite spirituality to this church. If you like history, you will certainly appreciate the San Miguel Mission - right next to the oldest house in the US (which was for lease when we went!)
A must see if you are in Santa Fe. The hours of operation may require some for-planning. It's within walking distance from the Plaza, so I recommend anyone visiting the city to visit. It doesn't require a lot of time, but it is a chance of a lifetime to visit something of this age in the U.S. Speaks a lot to the ancient and colonial history of the region.
However, one could still appreciate the preservation of this church considered to be the oldest in the United States. We will make a point of revisiting when it is open to get an appreciation for the interior and the history.