San Miguel Chapel Reviews

Oldest church structure in the USA. If you are in the area, you have to stop by. Takes only about 10 minutes. Great location and great pictures.

According to oral history, The San Miguel Mission/Chapel, 401 Old Santa Fe Trail, dates to 1610 – just 3 years after the first English settlement at Jamestown and 10 years before the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts. It’s worth familiarizing yourself with its history before your visit (which is free) even though docent history talks are scheduled Tuesday through Saturday at 11am and 2pm. Of special interest is the mystery of the San Jose Bell just inside the front entrance which visitors are invited to sound.

The San Miguel Chapel is a beautiful historic church. There is so much history and they’ve done a great job preserving it. You can see portions of the original walls and original foundation inside the church. Don’t forget to ring the bell inside!

It was nice to tour this historic building and ponder all that has happened within these walls over the last 400 plus years.

I appreciated that you can tour by donation only and that it wasn't commercialized with a gift shop.

It has been carefully restored and nice to see some of the original structure that they have left exposed. It was nice to come in and just sit for awhile in a quiet, peaceful place.

Oldest Church Structure in the USA? Why wouldn't you stop in? I was fortunate enough to stop by and was given an amazing tour by the staff at this location that walked me through the entire history and the church and the structure.

Just pop in and take a look if you like history and architecture.

only $1 to enter the San Miguel Chapel and see original church of Santa Fe. Interesting to read how the bell was made and ring it.

This chapel is full of history and character. It is a very reverent place and a great stop for anyone who wants to add a cultural or religious aspect to their trip.

I like the historic value of a place that has survived so long - this is a short, but interesting stop.

This humble mission church humbled me as I reflected on those who served here well before the US was even a country. The priests who traveled hundreds of miles by mule or on foot, the craftspeople who built it, the artists who dedicated their creativity to it, were awe inspiring. I'll never forget it.

No parking. We walked. I think it's a buck or two donation to get in through the gift shop. It's a positive pleasure to visit an attraction that is not a multimedia madhouse. This is still active church, with Masses at (I think) 2 and 5 on Sundays. Interesting history inside about the bell - cast in the 1300s in Spain and ended up here after a pretty storied journey. If you're interested in the history of the Spanish West, this is a good stop.

You just stumble upon this place and think...wow this is almost 500 years old! They could build this type of building then and it's still in use.

Visiting this original old mission church will give you a true sense of rugged original southwest history. It is so incredible to see the rugged architecture used to construct it. Everything inside is so simple yet at the time would have required much labor to complete. There also is a bell inside date back to 1300s. There is a small fee. It is an easy short walk from the plaza to get here. Well worth it to all you history and architectural buffs.

Worth a stop (and a $1 admission fee to see the inside). Only takes 10-15 minutes to see the inside & outside. You can feel the history.

Stop by and see this old church. It's only a couple blocks off Plaza. When we were there they were having mass. How cool to attend mass in such a historic church.

San Miguel Chapel is one of the most beautiful chapels I’ve visited. It has a lot of history and a big bell inside of the chapel. The feeling inside the chapel was special.

It is impressive how this church is still up after centuries. No fees to enter. Only donations from the public. There is 1 mass per month, on the first Sunday of the month, at 3pm.

A beautiful stop. The docent had so much knowledge of and love for this place that it was impossible not to be drawn into its rich history.

This is the oldest church building in the US and a beautiful place to visit. It will not cost you much at all and is adjacent to the oldest house in the US.

This is said to be the oldest continually active church in the united States.the inside is hot during summer when we visited since there is no AC.Interesting interior especially the bell.

We were there in an off month midweek. The docents didn't have a lot of people to talk to, and gave us lots of information about the church and its history. We discuss some of the changes made over time which included closing off one of the exterior doors even though you can see the frame for it. The front of the church actually had different years of construction showing prior civilizations on that site. The annual beautiful history of the chapel and the preservation information. At one time it was associated with Christian boys school and if you talk to the dose that they could give you additional information about the boys school that was associated with it. The dorms for the boys school next door and are now being used as state buildings.

The original adobe walls are still largely intact. Environment could be harsh here in dry climates. Using what is known by native Americans at that time, this mission was build under the direction of Franciscan Padres.

The outside architecture is simple but beautiful. I loved how much history is contained within it's walls. It's interesting that the bell inside the cathedral is much older than the church itself. Like other churches, it has it's ornate details but there is also something pleasantly rustic about it, too.

This little Indian chapel has been around for centuries unfortunatley it was locked up when we stopped around midday however we did take pics and through the window too one of the alter...really great place to enjoy.

Beautiful and very historical chapel. They show the excavation work through a plastic barrier. It is free but a donation is appreciated.

This historic old church probably dates as far back as 1610 and has a fascinating history through the centuries. The old original dirt floor can be seen as can its original bell. The building is so old the exterior buttresses were added at different times to support the aged walls. A visit here can help you unfold the generations of change and the different peoples who lived here in this old city. This is believed to be the oldest church in the US!

The price of admission is just a few dollars. It takes about 15 minutes to look at the church, but is worth the time for the history lesson.

When we visited this chapel, which is the oldest church in the continental U.S., there was a volunteer there providing detailed information on the chapel, its history and restorations as well as descriptions of the artwork. Definitely made the visit more interesting.

Loved that this still exists. We were so impressed with the simplicity of the chapel. So fortunate to visit.

Very beautiful Adobe church. Oldest in the US. No entry due to Covid. Free parking in the back and the oldest house in the US is also right across the street. Worth the visit

The oldest church in America, so it is worth stopping in. Enter in through the gift shop, where they will charge a dollar to proceed into the mission. It is very small and dark inside, with little worthy of photographing. It is a very short walk from the cathedral. Plan on 10 minutes once you are there.

This is a quick interesting stop. After viewing the out side you enter through a small gift shop, a small donation allows you to enter the historic church. The gift shop attendant was very friendly and knowledgeable.

This is just down the street from the Loretto Chapel so you might as well go see it too. It is suppose to be the oldest church in the country and the oldest house is right next door.

Very nice old church worth checking out. Interesting inside and outside. They only charge $1 to see inside. I would recommend checking out the old construction practices used to build the Church.

This is one of those historical sites you should see when you're a visitor to old Santa Fe. Its history is interesting.

This doesn’t take much time, or money, so be sure to stop in and look. The front of the chapel has plexiglass on the floor, so you can look and see floor surface from 1600’s, as well as earlier times.

Look at articles and photos around sides.

The altar area is beautifully painted, for the time and place.

There are sometimes evening concerts here, so check ahead. The sound should be wonderful!

Interesting to see the "oldest church in the US" just several blocks from the town square its worth a visit to see how they were built back in the 1600 compared to the ones in Europe. A must see!

This old mission Church was built at the beginning of the 17c by Indians from Mexico. Therefore it's the oldest one on today's US soil. The church tower was added later in 19c as well the stone supports aside.
The interior is simple as expected, with beautiful wood ceiling and altar. An old huge bell dominates the interior displayed right after the entrance brought from Spain.
The Church is some 10 min walk from the main Plaza.

This is the one chapel or church to see in Santa Fe. You feel the history and humble beginnings.

Unfortunately, we did not spend as much time as we would have liked since we arrived right before closing time at 4 pm.

If you love discovering history then you have to visit the San Miguel Chapel in Santa Fe. It truly is a history treasure trove, with a hand painted board at the front of the church and the original foundations visible at the front of the church.

Its a chapel but full of history. Its a Spanish colonial church and is known as the oldest church in the continental US.There are masses held during Sundays.

My wife and I were on a guided historical tour and our guide mentioned this place. After our tour, we stopped by to see the place. It is a beautiful church to see. Would recommend stopping in.

Paid the $1 admission to see the oldest still active church in the US. Very impressive alter and vaulted ceilings. Fairly small structure and I can imagine it packed for both the Sunday mass and the traditional services.

Another spot where. Many. Tours come. Was important any good n the history by f the city before and after statehood. Was a refuge for many and a gathering place fir information that was needed . Found it to be quite unique with n construction and preservation probably due to the dry climate and low humidity here.

San Miguel Chapel is the oldest chapel in the US, it is so beautiful and filled with history. Just around the corner is the oldest house in Santa Fe. You can walk from the visitor center to the chapel and then downtown to the center.

Happened to stumble upon this little gem by accident. Rich and wonderful history of New Mexico! Would definitely return and recommend for all the history buffs out there.

Beautiful church, full of history. They said is closes at 2PM, but was open until 4:00PM. Very close from the State Capitol building, worth visiting both.

oldest church is the US, built by Tlaxcalan Indians from Mexico in the early 1600's so is worth visiting. There is a nearby small museum too that is the Oldest house in the USA that shows small rooms ,furnishings and clay dishes from that era, shows how people lived during that period. Admission is free, so definitely is worth checking out.

This is the oldest church in the US. The inside resembles the Mission churches. It is quite small and the altar is beautiful. Be sure to walk up the altar and see the carved out, covered holes in the altar showing the ground of the adobe building and what it was. There was a docent, I believe, at the entrance who was very friendly and went out of her way to answer a few questions. This is worth seeing and afterwards, stop in The Oldest House which is right next to it.

This place is a beauty both from outside and inside. We were blessed to be able to kneel inside and say a prayer while gazing at the beautiful interior. It is a small church one oozes history from its beautiful beamed ceiling a stunning sacristy and altar.

It is amazing to see a building which has been kept and maintained for hundreds of years as a house of worship. And the "Oldest House" is just steps away.

Typical old Spanish colonial style chapel wet ith amazing windows in the alter flooring to see the original flooring and steps from the 1600s. The bell is beautiful in sound and sight.

I much preferred this church to the Cathedral. It has character. It's small but worth a visit. The tale of twarted love is also interesting.

We couldn't visit the interior of the church because of the timing of our visit, but even the exterior is worth seeing. To know that this church has been holding Mass for at least 400 years is amazing. Plan your time well to visit.

My husband and I went to the San Miguel Mission (the oldest church in US) on a Sunday afternoon at 3:30 pm. It was built in 1610 and is located just 5 minutes from downtown/plaza in Santa Fe. The inside and outside of the church was very interesting. We spent about 10 minutes there. There was no charge to enter the old church/mission. The oldest house in the US was across the street. Both buildings are worth a short visit.

As an east coaster, I couldn't understand how this was the oldest church. Their claim is that it is the oldest church *still in use* today in the US. So, I guess that's the difference. The ancient east coast churches are no longer used I guess? I was thinking St. Augustine must have an older chapel, but if it's not in use their claim still would still hold. :)

It's a $1 entrance fee. So, it's OK to check out and it's right around the corner from oldest house. I think it would be neat to attend a service there. I was disappointed in the gift shop lady, since we were in the museum and she wouldn't let us back into the gift shop. I know it was technically closing time, but the gift shop was larger, and might have been a nice place to shop. However, closing time is closing time so I guess I saved my money.

This will take you about 10-15 minutes depending on how long it takes you to read/soak it in. It's near the house, so you can walk there and get both done in about 45 minutes with gift shop breaks. The parking wasn't clear, we only saw the lot that said it was government facility parking.

I don't recommend kids unless they are into history/art/religion.

will only take about 30 minutes max since its not that big. but if you were from the 1600's you wouldn't be that big either.

There is so much history in Sante Fe. This is a must see if you ever visit. It was built in the early 1600's and is absolutely beautiful.

This chapel is thought to be the first Christian church in the United States. There are floor-based windows to the original alter below the surface. Worth a visit in combination with the State Capital that has a surprising art collection on display.

This is the oldest Catholic Church in the US. Of the 3 churches I visited in Santa Fe (Loretto Chapel and the Basilica being the other 2), this was, by far, the most enjoyable. It reminded me of the style of the California Missions. The bell is from the 14th century. The docent was very informative. You can ring the bell, and, according to legend, you’ll be sure to return if you do. Self- guided tour and free.

Beautiful old building that was so interesting. Very nice gift shop. So much history and still standing after so many years and holding services.

This church is considered the oldest in the US. It has been remodeled multiple times, but the foundations and some of the bones of the structure date back to the 1600's. We were unable to enter the interior, but we enjoyed viewing the outside as part of a walk we took around the historic Santa Fe downtown area.

I enjoyed this place. Still has a gift shop but cou could feel calm and safe inside the Chappell. The price to get I more than reasonable

Considered as the oldest Catholic church in the US, a visit to Santa Fe is not complete without seeing this historical site.

Well worth the $1.00 entrance fee to view the chapel, absorb the history and engage in silent prayer. Masses are only held on Sunday. If you are lucky be there at 2p for a Latin mass--another dose of church history.

Such a piece of history for Santa Fe. This old church is wonderful. So much history to see and learn about. They have a lady there that can answer your questions which is very nice. Great piece of history.

Beautiful chapel with tons of history. Oldest church in America and is right next to the oldest home in America. If you ring the bell, legend says you will return to Santa Fe. $1 admission.

AKA the oldest church in the USA, certainly should be on the list of things to see in Santa Fe. It is an original in an original city and state.

Talk about history! The oldest church in the USA is beautiful. You walk in and feel like you traveled back in time. The church dedicated to the Archangel Saint Michael holds its own to the basiclla a couple of blocks away. The interesting and trippy part is when you walk outside and around the back, you can see the hay that is part of the adobe used to create the church.

Does not take long to tour but well worth the $1 contribution to see the oldest church in the USA. Very cool.

This gem of a chapel is truly the heart of Santa Fe. A must see to understand the culture and spirit of the city. San Miguel is a beautiful old church that still has masses. You'll feel like you entered another space and time.

While I have visited other missions with more beautiful grounds, this is a lovely place to see. The altar is simple but awe-inspiring and there is an enclosed cut out showing the ruins of a building from the 1300's in the flooring. A must-see in Santa Fe.

they charge you to go inside but it is not really something interesting, the outside is really nice and interesting

This is the oldest church still in existence in the USA. The church is small but quite beautiful because of the old architecture and everything in the church is old. This is still an active church so on Sundays the are masses at the church so you cannot tour the inside until after mass.

Entrance through a gift store. $2 admission and limited hours--not open to tourists at all on Sunday. Takes only a few minutes to walk through and appreciate the historic artwork. Worth a visit.

This is a wonderful place to go visit
Anyone interested in history should visit here. You need to ring the bell and read its history. Beautiful

1610 is when they first built it the building is really amazing inside and full of great history, like the Bell.

The chapel is very old and has an historical background. Museum just before entering the side door of the chapel. Main doors not open at the time of our visit. Beautiful church. Still operates 2 Sunday masses. Special events such as choral groups singing at Christmas time. No handicap access found. During the tour we learned that handicap entrance was around a long way away around the buildings in the block. No signs noted.

Interesting, very historical and cultural church, building and area. Very kind docent help during our Feb. 22 visit.

I think this is a must see in Santa Fe - it provides some context to the age of the city. The chapel is just lovely.

The church and grounds were very well kept and nice. It is a living parish, and mass was in session so we could not walk through the church, though would have loved to. Short walk from town plaza

Lovely Chapel. We were told by the docent that this is the oldest Chapel still in use in the country. She let us ring the bell.

Believed to be built around 1610. It is preserved adobe architecture. The wooden altar screen is one of the oldest in New Mexico. In the center is a statue of San Miguel. If you are interested in old structures and churches, then this is a must see.

Another must see stop while in Santa Fe. Oldest church in the USA. Beautifully and well kept church. You can walk up to the alter and look over the railing down into see through floor that shows the original steps and flooring Into the original sanctuary from hundreds of years ago. If you love visiting old churches or love historical sites, do not skip this one!

We were amazed to hear that services are still held every Sunday. You can sit and listen to a recorded presentation about the history of the church. Architecture is impressive considering it was built in 1610.

If you enjoy history this is a must stop. It is within walking distance easily from the plaza. Very nice place to take a break and get a feel for all of the history surrounding you.

Costs $1 to enter. Very interesting history. A lot to see in a small space. Gift shop was cute too. That's where you pay as well after entering from the side. Worth the visit!

What a feeling to go inside the oldest church in the US! It was very interesting, but a short tour. There was a woman explaining the history inside and we were able to light a candle!

One of the oldest churches located next to the oldest house! Admission was $1. Lots of history and info to read about this building. Great visit for history buffs!

Easy walk from the Plaza (like just a few blocks). The historic little church is a wonderful place to visit. It is tiny with a fantastic history. As the oldest church in the country, take a moment to see this while in Santa Fe.

The only structures that might compete in terms of age are in Saint Augustine, Florida. Definitely worth a visit any if you are lucky a mass

This is a beautiful old church. The bell fell from the bell tower and is now displayed on the main floor. You can ring the bell with a rubber mallet. The alter and walls are beatiful.

I guess it's cool to say I visited the oldest church in the US. Sadly I don't remember much about it! I think we wandered through quickly on our way to other stuff. It's historic, for sure!

Ashamed to say I have visited Santa Fe numerous times over 50 years and just visited San Miguel Mission for first time during recent (Oct 2019) visit to SF. Take the time for a short drive from the Plaza area or a long (10-15 minute) walk to visit San Miguel.

San Miguel is a simple, yet very historical church dating back to 1600's. Take the time to understand the history and view old photographs. Like some other reviewers have stated, the history of the Church being pressed upon the native cultures may be disturbing to some but like all history...it is just that. History.

San Miguel is a peaceful and reverent church to visit. Say a prayer. Take a few photos and bask in the history. And don't miss the gift shop as it is stocked with some gorgeous products.

One last comment - walk around in the San Miguel Mission area as it contains many very old, historic structures (e.g. The Oldest House in USA across the street - also open to the public, Inn of Five Graces - don't expect to see much on the inside unless you are a guest). Many photo opportunities in the area.

A former volunteer at the San Miguel Chapel, now an administrator of the church, let us in and talked to us about this original chapel. We got to hear about the history of this building and see the steps of the original building. Lovely!

Just few metres away from the oldest house of Santa Fe there is the San Miguel Chapel that is considered the oldest church in the United States.
It was a pity that given we visited it in the early morning before leaving Santa Fe the Chapel was closed.
The outside anyway is quite fascinating.

If in the area, do visit the oldest church in the country. The altarpiece is very ornate and ancient, and the bell is 230 years older then the church!

San Miguel Chapel is the lovely mission church in the middle of downtown Santa Fe. If you are a history buff, it's worth going inside and looking around - and don't leave without ringing the mission bell for good luck and reflecting as you look at all the milagros nailed to the bell structure.

Located a short distance from Santa Fe Visitors Center. San Miguel Chapel is a part of early Santa Fe history. Recommend a Visit.

We were glad we had the opportunity to visit. It’s lovely outside. However, the website stated it was open and the day we went it was closed. Upon further investigation, it is closed on Sundays except for mass

We visited San Miguel Mission and The Oldest House together since they are right next to one another. To visit this church was only a dollar or two per person and was actually much more interesting than some of the other churches/chapels we visited that charged much more for entrance fees.

San Miguel Mission has an interesting history to it and it has a great display of it's earliest beginnings. The interior of the church is beautiful and truly provides the experience of stepping back in time. When we were there it wasn't overly crowded and it was easy to get pictures inside and out.

We hadn't really planned on going here, but we are glad we visited. As I mentioned, it is close to The Oldest House and it is a very short walk to Kakawa Chocolate House as well. This is a worthwhile stop in Santa Fe.

This is a beautiful little church that was built around 1610. There are still many of the original parts intact. The space is simply delightful.
Old enough that it was damaged during the Pueblo Revolt, it was later rebuilt as a soldiers chapel.
It is fascinating to stand in a such a simple structure that has such a history.
It is easy to visit - give it a try.

Definitely worth a quick walk through. The interior is beautiful with an amazing baptismal pool and a historic Virgin Mary sculpture.

We were fortunate to have an excellent docent who shared so much history and fascinating stories about the chapel. We were also allowed to clang the church bell with a hammer, such beautiful tones. This is another must do when you are in Sant Fe!

Massive adobe walls, carved beams. Interesting altar from Mexico. Church predates Pueblo Rebellion. Worth a quick visit. Still used as a church by local congregation.

Things like this happen: mistakes are made and this is one of those mistakes. Note the address here is the same for the TA "hotel" listing for the Mission (this is not a hotel by any means) and these two sites should be merged as the one they should be.

So, moving on, THIS is the historic mission/chapel/church listing review. NOT the nonexistent hotel.

The roots of the church reach back to before 1600 and, if going up to the communion railing, one can glimpse down into the glass-covered observation areas for the ruins of the much earlier church. The earliest history professionals derived from their excavations dates the underparts of the church to maybe the 1300's with evidence of an Indian dwelling. The earliest accounting puts the church foundation upon the Indian Kiva of Analco Indians.

The Chapel endured many reiterations (some of which resulted from manmade destructive attempts and much civil unrest) and an occasional act of nature (like when the bell fell from the tower). Life is hard.

Our recent tour of this beautiful adobe Pueblo church opened our eyes to the methodology used to convert the Native peoples (animal hides painted with religious stories) and the beautiful pieces of church art that remain. St. Michael the Archangel (altar screen) dates to 1700 but there is so much more.

The docents are such helpful guides that reminded us to go into the side-area for in-depth explanations of all the overwhelming history and reredos out there in the main church chapel.

Do not leave without viewing the "Our Lady of Perpetual Help" Byzantine icon copy (the original is in Rome) as it is a beautiful gold-edged traditional Eastern-looking beauty.

Upon leaving, take a moment to look at how thick those adobe walls were. A section is preserved in a display case. The beams for the church eaves are inscribed and attributed to "El Marques de Penuela" who had this construction done during his reign. It is dated 1710.

This, for us, was one of those kinds of sites that really needed several hours to fully appreciate the totality of the cultural/historical/religious history. Such a treasure.

Do not skip this Chapel. If you are in Santa Fe, please stop here and sit inside. It worth every moment.

This is a local and national landmark and for that reason merits 5 stars. In and of itself it is an old building.

The church was amazing! Walking through and enjoying the historic significance was inspiring! A stop for everyone go enjoy... admission was $1

Very short visit, but incredibly old and neat. It's small, and kind of a walk from the plaza, but totally worth it.

A historic chapel, in the plaza. Rustic but beauty in an unadorned way. So many brave people have passed through.

We didn't have a chance to get inside, but we got to see the whole outside. It was well preserved on the outside. Beautiful !!

3 and 1/2 stars. Lee’s Church in the USA. Definitely worth a stop if you are visiting the nearby Chapel and Basilica.

So glad we did not miss this church because there were so much to see in Santa Fe! At around 3:30PM, a guy in the church gathered the crowd, and started to talk about the history, and offered questions and answer sessions. I really liked this "human touch." Much better than the replaying recording at the nearby Loretto Chapel...felt like the recording was quite distracting in the ancient building. Plus while Loretto Chapel charges you $3, San Miguel only charges you $1. We were also encouraged to ring the huge bell in the church. I rang it hard, and our nice tour guide smiled and said: " Come back right away!" Will do :)

This is a wonderful small church and very historic. It holds the claim of being the oldest church building in use in the United States having been built in the early 17th century as the Spanish settled this region. It is a simple adobe structure at the southern edge of downtown. Inside, it has some nice details. It is relatively simple, given the age and its location at the fringe of Spanish settlement at that time but the history adds much extra interest.

(small fee to go inside Sanctuary) Listening to the historian regarding The Oldest Church - San Miguel Chapel was a highlight for me in addition to the feel and atmosphere from the old adobe construction and dated wooden pews to the artwork found within. The bell from the tower is inside now for all to see and "Ring three times and you will return to Santa Fe".

We arrived when it open (do not know how many times historian speaks)
It is located beside The Oldest House (see while you are here as it is free)
Parking beside gift shop attached to The Oldest House

Visiting this church and if you have read all the history related to it will show you that sometime miracle exist and that the faith of the people can builth not only churches but mirables

Not far from the square, this structure is fascinating in its simplicity. To think that people have been worshiping here for over four centuries is amazing and humbling.

We only got to take a picture of the outside of the church since visiting hours were from 1pm to 3pm only and we missed our window. It's a historic place and worth visiting.

We enjoyed walking into the oldest mission church in the USA. The history is fascinating, including partial destructions and repairs and seeing the original ground level and bell. To learn of its long periods of active usage, from colonial times to recent high school worship functions were intriguing. Now clearly just an historic tourist stop, but worth it!

We like history and enjoyed our visit here. We rang the bell and looked at the old steps under the stage at the front of the church. Enjoyed the wood carvings. There is a gift shop attached.

This was a great example of adobe structure and lovely inside. Very close to plaza etc so easy to get to view it.

What an amazing piece of history! Be sure to ring the bell and read it's history. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere!

Honestly, if you skip any of the churches in the area, you are doing yourself a great disservice. This was a lovely church and clearly of the time it was made. The beautiful bell still had an amazing tone despite crossing an ocean and an continent to arrive at its current location. A well stocked gift store is attached and has a nice selection of local art.

A small but pretty chapel on a main route into town. Entrance through a large gift shop. And a bit cramped. The entrance fee is not much but feel that you have to get something. Not what I think areligious church should di

We loved the history of the church. The church is very nice and easy to get to in the city. We had a great appreciation for this history.

The original adobe walls and altar were built by Tlaxcalan Indians from Mexico under the direction of Franciscan Padres about 1610. It has been lovingly taken care of and is still in use today.

Historic chapel known as the oldest church in the U.S. - and it is still holding services! This is a lovely experience to view the architecture and feel the history that surrounds you as walk through this dwelling. Spend a few quiet moments to reflect on those that have come before and leave feeling renewed!

This chapel really gives you a good feel for what it must have been like to be among the initial visitors to Santa Fe. The interior and exterior are quite simple and plain, and yet it exudes a quiet holiness. Being across the alley from the Oldest House, this is an easy two-fer in under an hour. You can park in the NM visitor center parking lot and walk around to the chapel and still be back in under the 30 minute parking limit.

Fantastic bit of history and a must see if you are in Santa Fe -- it puts into perspective that the history of the US dosen't begin on the East Coast.

They claim it is and I tend to believe them, considering that one still see the original foundation covered by glass, despite a fire that took place after the pueblo rising against the Spaniards few centuries ago. The church is interesting to visit, its surroundings add to its charm. Good place to visit when in Santa Fe.

It gives me goosebumps walking into this Chapel and a humbling experience. Built in 1610, San Miguel Chapel is arguably one of the oldest church in America. Yes, you should visit if you're in Santa Fe, but there is nothing grand about this place other than it's historical significance.

400 years old and very Southwestern. Painted by artists including Georgia O'Keeffe. Stop for a quick visit and photos.

Really cool church with a lot of history. It is free to enter and I found it completely empty around lunchtime on a Saturday.

We didn’t realize the oldest church in the USA was located in SAnta Fe, it was gorgeous, and such a unique and beautiful site.

A must-see first or second stop in Santa Fe. The bell is amazing, as are the charms posted nearby. Lovely painted wooden art decorations.

Located a block off the central plaza, this is worth a brief visit. An understanding of the role of the Spanish invaders into New Mexico with Franciscan Monks will put this Chapel in context.

Another easy, quick stop to see this beautiful old chapel. Worth it for the experience, realizing it is the oldest church in the US. So beautiful.

Called the oldest church in America (est 1610), this small adobe chapel is worth a few minutes visit, and is just a block or two from the Plaza, small entry fee, interesting gift shop,

Amazing adobe architecture...the oldest active church in the country. Take a few minutes to look at the structure and marvel at how this church has continued living since first constructed about the year 1610 !!!

See earliest history of Santa Fe at the Chapel as well as the surrounding historic neighborhood. Luxury colorful hotel in the area.

We just happened to pass this on our way to see another sight and decided to drop in. Very interesting story behind the chapel and it's history. A must stop and see for tourists

Yes, this is definitely work a visit and the $1.00 donation to see the oldest church. I enjoyed this church much better than the one with the spiral staircase. It is in amazing condition for being so old.

It is also fun to ring the bell. Do it as it is a nice sound (not annoying).

It's not every day you can see the oldest church in the United States. That alone makes it interesting. It is on the walk from the Capitol into the center of town.

This is definitely a place you want to stop and see. Oldest church in America. We were lucky to be there when the curator gave a talk on the history of this church and the Santa Fe region. Great place with a a lot of history!

Oldest church in US--charming artwork--wonderful gift store--feel like you saw a great piece of history

This was one of the stops on our walking tour and without that we may not have stopped here. It is a very cool old church with many good photo ops in the altar area. Very glad we stopped.

Great ambience for a concert. Intimate. Seats hard, wooden, old pews, though gorgeous carvings. Historical site. Bring a pillow!

If you have a short amount of time in Santa Fe, be sure not to miss this chapel. It won't take long to see it, but definitely worth the time. Very gorgeous carved wooden altar piece and other artwork on walls. Decent gift shop, also.

Amazing old church in which services are still held! Self-guided tour. Priest was present on day of our tour and gave more history of the church. Short walk from plaza.

This is supposed to be the oldest church in Santa Fe. I loved taking photos of it from different angles. Around the corner is the oldest house in the country.

Built around 1610, this amazing church is an active parish. There are many beautiful and old statues and paintings which are inspirational. One can ring the old bell, which is now in a gift shop.

I enjoyed seeing this church considering it was built circa 1610. Inside the church there is a bell that was originated in the 1300s, you are allowed to ring the bell. In the front of the chapel inside you can look down and see the underneath of the church in some form of old crawl space. You can view various original artifacts and see the old brick adobe under the wall. It is another great historic piece of our countries history.

Since we were parked next door at the Visitors Center, it is convenient to just walk over. Visit in the afternoon as the full sun lights up the façade. Makes for great photo opportunities. There is a small gift shop on site.

The historic San Miguel Chapel is another example of the humble mixture of straw and mud called adobe that has stood the test of time and become the state's iconic building material.

We visited the three great churches of Santa Fe: Loretto Chapel, the Basilica, and San Miguel Chapel. Each church is unique and deserves time and attention. San Miguel Chapel is the oldest, offering a true experience of "walking through time," including the exhibit showcasing their new solar energy electric system.

We left the Oldest House and were able to visit the Chapel before Sunday services. Handouts tell the history and explain what you are seeing. Well maintained. We rang the bell.

Very cool to feel the history dripping off of this old bld. near the captiol building, the oldest house in the u.s. and upper crust pizza or the pink adobe for food... a stones throw from the artistic canyon road.

This was a must see we almost missed. So glad we stopped in to see. It has so much interesting history behind everything. From the way it was built, to the awesome art hanging in the church, all the way down to the underground part of it. Give yourself enough time to soak it all in!

Oldest chapel in the US. It was gorgeous inside and you could feel the history. Definitely worth a stop but be sure to check times. We arrived right after a service all in Latin.

I read that San Miguel Church was built on the site of an ancient kiva of the Analco Indians and was allowed to see where they have excavated underneath the floor near the altar. I also found the Buffalo hide painting interesting. It's so easy to forget how precious paper once was, and the primitive resources used in its place.

Admission was $1 for adults. There was a volunteer providing history of the structure. Very interesting detail. Glad we took the chance and went in.

We just happened to drive by this church and decided to make a quick stop to check it out. Don't recall if it was closed or if they charged to get inside but we just looked around the outside of the building and the area. Beautiful and very charming, historic church!

This is probably the nicest building in Santa Fe.
I would love to have gone inside.
A handwritten note on the main door directed us to a sall door round the side but it was locked.

This was an interesting piece of history to explore. It has been well preserved and the volunteers there are very friendly and informative.

This chapel is in the heart of Santa Fe and the older area where you can see structures from the 1500. It is a very cool area.

Built in the eraly 1600 this is the oldest church in the US. The church altar is exquisite. The wooden statue of San Miguel is impressive.

San Miguel Chapel is a must-see stop on your Santa Fe tour. Look through the glass on the floor to see ancient alar steps. It's a giant step back in time. I was touched, on my last visit, to see a mass in progress. It meant we couldn't go inside, but it was lovely to see it is still being used for its original purpose.

A nice little church. Worth the small price of admission. Pretty, some good history, and a nice, peaceful place.

This was an interesting place to visit as it is very historic. There was a great guide inside and told us so much information about the history and even let us ring the famous bell. There is no fee and even a few parking places beside the church.

Interesting as the oldest church. However, the surviving old remains are buried and some can be seen through the floor. It’s near the NM Capital building that is worth a visit for its extraordinary art collection.

This is an active church and visitors should refrain from entering during services. When visiting noise should be kept to minimum and dress should be modest. It is a great example of churches built by the Spanish during there missionary work in the New World. It has served thousands of Pueblo converts and Spanish settlers before more recent arrival of anglos.

Well worth it! Beautiful church and knowledgeable staff! A docent is inside to answer any questions and photography is welcomed! I highly recommend it!

Seeing the oldest church in the U.S. should be on your list for Santa Fe. There is a small fee to go inside, but well worth donating some money to keep this church renovated. Be sure to go up to the alter and see the windows in the floor, that show the stairway down below that the Indians used. This visit doesn't take too much time, and is close to the Loretto Chapel, if you are in that part of Santa Fe. I think that this church was interesting than the Loretto.

I went to a (free!) classical chamber music concert here presented by some local musicians. It was in the late summer and in the evening, so not too hot outside, but it was still warm and a little stuffy inside (wear short sleeves!). It is an intimate venue for chamber music - good sound, not too far from the performers, and having a concert in such a historic site makes it all the more special. If you get a chance to catch a recital or concert in this church, I highly recommend taking the time to support some local musicians and catching some local history at the same time.

We couldn't go inside this one for some reason even though you can enter other churches in town. Did take some pictures of the outside though, neat old building.

This is the oldest church in the USA, built around 1610. Today this is one of the best examples of preserved adobe architecture in Santa fe. There is a lot of early paintings and art work. This is a beautiful well kept relic. Well worth the visit.

Beautiful chapel. We enjoyed all the history here in the city. A beautiful area to walk around to see such historical places.

Loved our visit to this beautiful and historic church! We were simply awestruck by the incredible architectural details in this magnificent old structure. There is such a lovely peaceful vibe that emanates from this wonderful church. Def one of the highlights of our visit to Santa Fe!

This historic location is a must see for those who appreciate history. Walking around this site was quite an experience.

I love architecture so this authentic local architecture is stunning. Inside is pretty typical catholic mission style church. You can feel a sense of history here.

This Catholic Church (opposite from The Pink Adobe) is possibly the oldest church in the US, destroyed during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. The current building dated from 1710, with major renovations.

The docent who's working in the garden, is retired from San Francisco, "I volunteer here, do whatever, taking care of the garden, and docent a tour ..."

Seemed to have very limited visitors hours but we made it. interesting facts all around the walls if you have time to read.

I wanted to visit this site for research into the Tlaxcalans who built it. It is a lovely historic church. There are signs explaining its history. It is lovingly maintained. The location is in busy, busy downtown Santa Fe, but we arrived without incident and found a parking place.

If you are looking for the historic side of Santa Fe, this is a great place to find it. Can be appreciated for its history or its beauty. Highly recommended.

Smaller, less grand, and as indicated in other reviews, older than the The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis or Loretto Chapel, San Miguel Chapel is still mighty impressive for its age, and well worth a stop for its cultural and historical significance.

It's small, but interesting to see this very old building. Most of the decorative elements have a folk-art feeling.

San Miguel Chapel is the oldest chapel in US . It is beautiful from inside as well as outside and is different from Loretto Chapel. It has been destroyed many times and rebuilt. The Bell which was originally installed in a Bell Tower in !856 is now located inside the chapel after the Bell Tower was damged. You can strike it with a Wooden Mallet and hear the melodious sound. Certainly visit when in Santa Fe.

Very old church. Something to do that day. It was something to do when un the area. Go see the old house and have some pizza. It's a nice area.

We attended a violin recital on a Saturday evening. We were amazed at the quaint little chapel and how well it has been preserved. Many of the original structures are still present.

This is a lovely little chapel right in Santa Fe said to be the oldest church in the USA. It is worth a stop.

Have to see this when in Santa Fe. Mass was going on but they still let you visit and it was fascinating.

Don't miss this! It is just down the street from the Loretto Chapel on Old Santa Fe Trail. Amazing history associated with this chapel and the "Oldest House" next door!

Not very much of the original building, though some of the original floor can be seen. Altar screen well maintained. Gift shop expensive.

This little chapel is unique & the docent on duty was so informed & we learned so much. Most did not ask him anything so we did & so glad of it. A nominal fee is charged to enter. He explained the hides that were on the walls plus many of the statues & basic history of this church. Definitely worth a stop.

Built in 1710 (300+ years old) founded before 1628, this historic building contains history, beauty, and inspiration for all. Whether seeking art, inner peace and quiet, or history this is an amazing adobe structure. Thanks to the local guide who got us in just as others were leaving! I'd tried once before and was happy to get in this visit.

Everyone who visits Santa Fe should take a walk over to the old church. There is an old bell inside and you can ring it if you want to.

So happy we stopped to peek in what a neat special place! Walk in cool off & enjoying feeling what was! A great quick stop or long stop it's up to you 😎

This church is historic and beautiful. I’m from Virginia and grew up thinking the oldest churches were in the Tidewater area of our state. Boy, I learned something new with my visit to San Miguel. It was built about 70 years before the oldest church in Virginia! Breathtaking altar.

The church is beautiful and the history is fasciantaing. Unfortunately the history is both one of eincere devotion and abuse and persecution of the native Americans who woudln't follow the religion brought by the missionaries. This hapened all over the world in those times. Don't let this stop you from visditing. It is well worth the visit

Historic chapel across street from the Oldest House Museum. Did grounds tour/photos. Chapel was closed secondary to Covid restrictions.

The adobe church was nice, but we saw a more interesting adobe church in Taos. If you’re not planning on going there, than definitely stop in this church. Don’t forget to ring the bell.

We enjoyed finding, and walking through San Miguel. It is small, old, and well cared for. Thirty minutes is all you need to absorb it. Okay to light a candle for loved ones inside.

this little chapel is beautiful and certainly a historic landmark. The oldest house in the US is nearby too.

Just a short walk from the main square in Santa Fe. Beautiful and well preserved mission church, the oldest church in the US.

San Miguel Mission also known as San Miguel Chapel, is a Spanish colonial mission church in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Built between approximately 1610 and 1626, it is the oldest known church in the continental United States.

The church was damaged during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 but was rebuilt in 1710 following the Spanish reconquest and served for a time as a chapel for the Spanish soldiers. The wooden reredos, which includes a wooden statue of Saint Michael dating back to at least 1709, was added in 1798.

Though the church has been repaired and rebuilt numerous times over the years, its original adobe walls are still largely intact despite having been hidden by later additions.

The structure is well preserved with the bell of San Miguel just inside the door, that can be rung with the use of a rubber mallet.

No charge to wander through the church, most definitely worth the walk from downtown.

While the Nearby Loretto Chapel get most of the attention from Santa Fe Tourists, the San Miquel Chapel is truly an often-overlooked historic treasure. The small Chapel dates to 1610 and visitors today will see a small but beautiful sanctuary along with several Spanish Artifacts. You can also see the original sanctuary steps that date back to 1610. The steps and original foundation are visible through protective glass. San Miguel lays claim to being the Oldest Church in the United States that is still holding services. I would encourage anyone visiting Santa Fe to take the time to visit this historic church.

This is one of the oldest little churches around. The altar area was pretty and very OLD. We enjoyed seeing this.
Be sure and go on the short little guided tour so you can hear the stories about items in the church.

Did you ever want to go to something that is the "oldest" and still in use? Well, this Church goes back to the 1600's and is deserving of our wondering of how people lived and worshiped in the 1600's

We parked at the Visitors' Center to go across the street to the State Capitol building, then crossed back over to visit this church. Be prepared to pay an entrance fee. As the sign indicates, the original adobe walls & altar were build by the Tlaxacalan Indians from Mexico under the direction of the Franciscan Padres, ca. 1610. There is a gift shop.

Built in 1610, San Miguel is the oldest church in Santa Fe. Retaining its original altar art, it has been repaired several times throughout history but still bears a resemblance to its original appearance. It is operated as a private attraction, having long ago been desanctified, so there is an admission fee, but it's worth it if you're a fan of early Santa Fe history, old churches or Spanish colonial architecture.

According to the sign next to the Church, this is the oldest structure of Church built by Indians from Mexico around 16 Century. to see the great view of wood structure inside, a small fee would do it. Worth money and time though. This church is a little off from the center of old town. Cross the bridge to the other side of the town (government complex side of the town).

We went here at the last minute before leaving Santa Fe. I’m so glad we went. Be sure to look at the “flooring” all the way up front. There are pieces of lucite in the floor where you can see the original flooring underneath from hundreds of years ago. And the bell is dated 1356. So cool! Definitely a sacred space.

The history and the culture of the church is unbelievable ! The abilty to build it, rebuild it and then get it restored is nothing short of a miracle!

a must see very nice to see such history, old town old chapels are some of what santa fe is about...

Walking that whole area is magical with all kinds of architecture. The church is special. The oldest buildings in the city are in that area and one hols a lovely shop.

The docent goes over in detail all of the paintings in the church. The church becomes alive to all visitors

San Miguel Chapel is probably my favorite in Santa Fe. I did learn it is the oldest church within the United States making it a historic landmark. There was a small fee to enter, but I feel the dollar was worth it for this one. Yes, ring the bell, it was fun! The inside of San Miguel reminded me of Missions I've seen elsewhere. I like the exposed wood and style of this church. It is not far from Loretto Chapel, so it is easily accessible.

This is the oldest church in the US. It was built for the servants and slaves of the Spaniards who settled Santa Fe in 1610. It is modest, but beautiful. Some of the small buildings near the church were homes to these simple people in the 1600s. This church is much more indicative of the style of architecture in this part of New Mexico than the other churches in the center of Santa Fe. A visit to this church will be very rewarding.

Visiting the San Miguel Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, was a truly remarkable experience. As the oldest Catholic chapel in the United States, it's a place where history resonates within its walls. Despite being moderately busy, the chapel maintained a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The collection of paintings and exhibits offered a fascinating glimpse into the past, each piece telling a story of faith and artistry. The architecture itself is a testament to the enduring spirit of the early settlers and the enduring presence of the Catholic faith. The chapel's simple yet profound beauty left a lasting impression, making it a must-see for anyone interested in history and culture. It was well worth the trip, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Santa Fe.

Really enjoyed visiting. Actually, Sanat Fe is a walk-abot-town. Parking is a bother, hint...find a spot - then walk around. Oldest church and still here. Amazing! 1USD admission plus all the history makes you think. We really enjoyed all the knowledge that the guides provided.

Old (1600's) adobe church destroyed and rebuilt after the Pueblo Indian uprising. Make sure to hear the retelling of the saving of the chapel bell.

Loved the opportunity to visit the San Miguel Chapel. Even being the oldest church in history, its beauty is everlasting. I

The history, the old construction, the ability to light a prayer candle in the oldest church in America. If these walls could talk.

Always love to see old architecture. The church is small and pictures aren't allowed during service, although if you are discreet you can still get a few shots. A must see!

This ancient church dates from 1619, though it has a lost a few pieces here and there. The charm of the interior contrasts with the thick adobe walls of the exterior. Be sure to respect worshippers when you visit.

File this one under antiques.

The San Miguel Mission is the oldest church in the continental United States.

The structure was built around 1610 or so, so it's been operating for about four centuries. Mass is still held on Sundays here.

The adobe walls are still intact, although some work has been done on the structure over the years. A bell now found inside the church was said to be cast in Spain in 1396. There are even some paintings from the 1600s in the building.

If you like your churches old, feel free to take a look.

This chapel was so different than any church building I had ever visited. It is very simple adobe on the outside. The inside had much to look at; the beams overhead, the views and the alter area were beatiful.

It was a good stop to see the "Oldest" Church and it's not to bad a walk from the plaza. Repairs are going on beside it and the smell of paint fumes was nauseating.

This chapel was built in the early 17th century by the First Nations people of the area, though parts of it are late 19th century repairs. It's a tribute to the architectural style of the area. It's also a beautiful chapel.

Out of all the churches to visit in Santa Fe, this one is my favorite. It is so old and the ceiling is just beautiful. There was a older women there giving history on it and she was great. We learned alot and to just sit and enjoy the way this church was built was just the best for me. Absolutely beautiful inside . Takes about 30 mins. Pictures can be taken as well of everything and it is only a 1$ admission. Worth every penny in my mind!

I liked everything about this church: its history, as the "oldest church in the U.S.," its small size/compactness, the artwork, its simplicity, the wood beams, and more. Probably, my favorite church in Santa Fe.

The Chapel was next to our hotel. Talking about stepping back in time. You need to see this place. It cost a dollar to go in. Most of the original wood and mud is still there.

Drove over here and enjoyed touring the chapel and having the opportunity to hit the older bell with a hammer.

An outstanding example of preserved Adobe architecture, San Miguel Chapel is considered to be the oldest church structure in the United States. The chapel is thought to have been built around 1610 and rebuilt and restored multiple times over the centuries. The wooden altar screen dates from 1798 and its painting of various Saints date back to the mid 18th century. Around the walls of the sanctuary are 14 stations of the cross carved of pine. Just beyond the communion rail is a bit of the original dirt floor and sanctuary steps.
On the afternoon of our visit a pianist and violinist were rehearsing for a concert and the chapel was filled with beautiful music. Admission was a mere $1.00

Its longevity and history is inspiring. The bell inside dates to something like the 1300's which of itself is pretty amazing!

I lived in Santa Fe for 4 years as a teenager. When relatives came to town, I gave them the "tour". I always loved showing them San Miguel, the oldest chapel in the United States, built in the 1600s.
We now visit once a year for a 2 week stay at my timeshare at Otra Vez.

Wonderful to see this very old chapel in the downtown area of Santa Fe. So glad we were able to tour it. Definitely worth a visit.

This is a very old and interesting church. It is neat because you can still see the straw built into the adobe.

Nice little chapel in the downtown area of Santa Fe. Didn't take too long to walk through, but was very useful as a stop out of the heat.

Just amazing looking at this well preserved church that is now over 400 years old. Fantastic paintings and art work on the inside. Volunteer at the front desk was very kind and provided great information. Inside the church is a 663 year old church bell that you can actually ring for good blessings.

A beautiful chapel - the oldest church in the United States originally built around 1610 - with a long history. The chapel is small and beautiful - well cared for to be sure.

The concert was sponsored by a group Severall Friends and brought in two stellar professionals who performed in vintage instruments, harpsichord and 1660 violin.

The chapel itself is worth visiting ( a must) but if you have the chance to attend a small and intimate concert in the chapel - you will enjoy the chapel and the music - a magical evening.

Loved dropping by to see this old church which was having a mass while we were there so we just peaked in the door, as I snapped this picture. I thought it was awesome, and from the outside you can see the straw in Adobe. The upper crust pizza place next door had wonderful aroma in the air and music on front porch. Steps away from oldest house.

We blew in and back out again. There's lots of building like it so we're ABC'd. (Another Bloody Church). Guess its interesting to stop in and see if you are in town.

I'd recommend the San Miguel Chapel to anyone who has any interest in history. The $1 entrance fee is very fair, and the young man working the gift shop when I visited was friendly and inviting.

The age of the chapel is intriguing enough on it's own, but the church bell (that you're actually allowed to ring) dates back to the 1300's! Your visit won't take more than about 15-20 minutes, but I definitely recommend stopping in to see this historical landmark!

A seriously old and lovely chapel built on the site of an Analco Indian kiva dating back to the 1300's. Damaged and restored many times it's just so great that it has survived and is still a working church. The bell originally installed in a new bell tower in 1856 is now inside the chapel following the collapse of the tower in a storm in 1872, and you are at liberty to strike the bell with a mallet! Certainly a must visit when in Sante Fe.

This is the first, oldest Catholic Church in the Continental US, and its history is well defined by the exhibits in the vestibule and gift shop. Our group had plenty of time to enjoy the chapel for private prayer. Entrance fee is $1

We didn't get to go inside, because it was not yet open for the day. But, it was special to just see it from the outside! It's walking distance to a lot of shops, the Oldest House, and downtown space.

We stopped in while walking around Santa Fe. Just takes a few minutes to see. It's the oldest church in the USA. Make sure to go inside too, just beautiful.

I was told of this place just a few days prior to our trip. I learned so much from our time there. Our forefathers were strong and resilient.

This oldest continuously used church is magnificent, not because it is beautiful - it's not in a classic sense. It is because it has withstood centuries and continues to hold services every Sunday. There are beautiful things in it, it's 16th century bell, it's screen, but it feels like a blessed place no matter what your religious affiliation. It was a momentous being there as being in some of the great European cathedrals.

Great place to visit if you are a history buff or just feeling spiritual. The church dates back to the 1600s, and even earlier if you count the fact that it was a site of worship for the native Americans. Nice gift shop, and you can light a candle there, and even ring their forged church bell. Often a docent is present to answer questions. It's a nice place to visit the past.

This church was started in 1610 though partially reconstructed about a century later (there's debate about how much of the original construction remains), and it's undergone various renovations and reconstructions since then. It's reputed to be the oldest existing church in the US. It's not large but the interior in particular is quite beautiful, and unlike some other New Mexico churches, you're allowed to take photos inside. There'a a large bronze bell inside with a fascinating story behind it - it may have been made in Spain in 1356 though there is disagreement about this date. The church is only a short walk from the Plaza area and well worth visiting if you're in Santa Fe.

Worth a visit to see this mission church. The 600 year old bell inside can be struck with a mallet to hear the beautiful tones. $1 each. The beams are remarkable and just the thought of people worshipping here prior to our independence is fascinating.

Beautiful woodwork and carvings. They have done a great job preserving this landmark. Transports you back in time.

Growing up in Santa Fe you'd think I'd have an intimate knowledge of the various landmarks, like the Oldest Church (just think of the shoemakers kids going shoeless). Well, I know of many, but am woefully ignorant of the San Miguel Mission. It was always there and we'd comment on it as we passed. But I don't know the last time I was in. We visit Santa Fe each winter for a few days and I decided to tour the Church.

To begin with, there's a kitschy gift shop you must go through to enter the Church. A bit tacky, but they have to earn money. Actually, admission is only $1/person. I would think they could raise that a lot! Enough of the editorial.

The Church is marvelous in its history as well as its being. Not a large edifice as churches go. Long and fairly narrow with HIGH ceilings. We were blessed by having the nicest docent to tell us about the church. As a transplant to Santa Fe, he's passionate about its history. The fellow chatted with us for a good half hour (it helped that there were few other visitors at the time), telling me all sorts of things about the Church. It's had quite a history. And it's built on the ruins of an earlier (1200 to 1300AD) native ruin. I didn't know that.

After the chat with the docent, we wandered the Church marveling at how in those days (late 17th and early 18th centuries) they could have built something so wonderful. And the effort they took in the woodwork and religious artifacts.

Go! It will be well worth your time and money (and give a donation).

Not far from the Plaza area. Be sure to take time to visit this historic place. Understanding what it took to build such a church so long ago and is beauty maintained today is well worth your time.

Beautiful and very simple. Easy to find too! It's well worth your time. Plan on spending about 15 minutes. There is also a small gift shop.

The history is huge here. Cut-outs in creaky wooden floor shows floor all the way back to 1600. Mind boggling to think on what kind of people have come through these doors. Right next to the oldest house. Short walk from the plaza.

One of my favorite Santa Fe sites --- love the Old World feeling -- the altar is simple and humble but very powerful. The furniture is folk art style -- whitewashed and rustic. Love the beauty and strength of the big bell and all the milagros nailed onto its trusses. Masses are still held in Latin and English here. Check out the adobe bricks outside and the bell tower. A lovely gift shop is attached. Look for the little dove in the window.

Built in 1610 this Chapel should definitely be on your list of places to visit while in Santa Fe. The building itself, as well as the artwork inside make this a destination stop on the Old Santa Fe Trail.

The age of the building may not be impressive to Europeans, but to someone from the Northwest it's amazing. I love the history and the architecture.

I can't believe there aren't more reviews of this place. We stopped here because I wanted to see the oldest church in the area. It was an easy walk from the Plaza area where our hotel was, maybe 3-4 blocks. The church has an admission charge of $1/person.

There was a docent in the church that gave a short talk about the history of the building, the art, and the restoration. We loved the bell that came from the 1300's in Spain. The gentleman said that it is said that if you ring the bell, you will return to Santa Fe. We all gave the bell a ring.

Only saw the outside because it’s only open for two hours on weekdays, which is very inconvenient. It is free though so I guess you get what you get.

Lots of history. I believe its the oldest catholic church in the US.
Gift shop is GREAT! If its closed when you go, go again. Its worth it!

The San Miguel Chapel is a beautiful structure. There are so many hand carved wood structures to look at. So much history in this space. Take the time to read about the church before you go, it makes you appreciate everything inside a little more.

A must do to help bring perspective to the real world. I was moved just being there. Everyone needs to ring the bell when you are there. $1.00 entry per person (under 6 is free).

This old mission church is just a couple of walks from the plaza. It really takes one back in the imagination to consider what life was like almost 500 years ago.

It is a small chappel and you pay a dollar to get in. It has an old bell that one can ring and such bell is supposed to have the sweetest sound in all US churches. It is indeed a nice sound

The small chapel oozes history. Plus there is an old and historic church bell on the chapel floor that visitors are encouraged to ring. Located very near the Santa Fe Visitor Center.

Very cool old church amazing how it was built! Neat site to visit if u go to the oldest house nearby as well. Very cool site.

Quaint church costs $1.00 to visit. Very well done, lots of history, detailed displays and information.

We were running out of time in Santa Fe and almost missed this fine site. So glad we did not skip it! The teen agers inner group were especially moved by it's resonance.

Lovely quick visit to oldest church in the US next to the oldest house. It was quite quiet when we visited in mid September.

You can’t pass through Santa Fe without visiting the oldest Church Structure in the USA. It’s just amazing and awe inspiring to walk through a building with so much History.

I would recommend stopping here this is a great example of what church is it look like in new Spain and the importance of Catholicism to the colonization of this region known as new Spain. I like the architecture I liked the inside of the church as it was a great example of early churches established in new Spain.

Colonial America didn't start with the Mayflower. To walk and sit in the oldest church in the Continental US is a treat. Just like visiting the oldest house, just around the corner. Obviously much older structures have disappeared, but to stand and sit here is a marvel. The church is small, as mission churches go, but history oozes through its walls. Take a seat and take in the quiet. Close your eyes and imagine who may have sat next to you some 400 years ago. It would have likely been a christianized Indian. After all it was a mission church. It is a must see, especially for thrill seekers, oldest, highest, fastest.....
Go visit this church and do not miss the oldest house around the corner. Another thrill........... Entrance fee is $1, but feel free to drop an extra buck in the collection box.

Not as magnificent as Saint Francis church.
You have to pay $ 1.00 to enter .
They also have a small gift shop

Be sure to look over the railing in the front to see the archeological dig results. This is the oldest church in the US. It was peaceful to visit a place where people have sought peace for 400 years.

When we stopped it wasn’t open, but just to see the oldest church in the U.S. was a really great thrill for us. You should stop if you’re in the area.

A friend from California had listed for me the places for pilgrimages. We came as pilgrims, not tourists. To be able to visit the oldest church in the US meant a great deal to our group.

Originally built in the 16th century as a mission church , it still contains a few centuries old oil paintings in the altar area and the original church bell which actually pre- dates the chapel. More recently the adjacent buildings were once converted as a boarding school for boys while the church chapel designated a national historic site. Highly recommended.

This is a much more interesting church than the Cathedral and it is free to enter. The altar is vibrant with a lot of iconography and be sure to ring the big copper bell before you leave. Admire all of the small devotions left around the bell by the faithful.

I never miss a chance to visit. The $1.00 fee is well worth it. The interior is interesting and there are places you can see the original Adobe. Often there is a guide who will answer questions or you are free to walk around at your own pace. The location, just off the Santa Fe Plaza, makes it easy to see. The oldest house is just across the street.

This small treasure gives insights into the religious history of Santa Fe. At 400+ years old, it's the oldest church structure in the country and has been restored several times since its mission origins.

Must see when exploring downtown Santa Fe. Cost $1 to enter. Entrance is through the gift shop on the side. Cool to see the original base structures through glass openings by the alter.

I did enjoy my visit to the Chapel. Being a student of relegion (but not relegious) it is interesting visitng churches. The history of this chapel is interesting. HOWEVER, we were hastly asked to leave (no refund). I asked why and no reason was given other than the chapel is being closed to visitors. I asked if it was for mass, and if it was I would stay for mass. NOPE, we are closing. Maybe I will go back sometime.

It's a small chapel but its beautiful, it was built in the early 1600's making it the oldest chapel in our country. They welcome you to ring the bell which is very nice. Quick stop but very pretty.

I have always loved really old churches and to go to the oldest church in the country was wonderful. It doesn't take long to see it, but it's absolutely worth it to drop in. It's free.

It was definitely worth the short side trip from The Plaza to see the oldest church in the U.S. We sat outside for quite awhile enjoying the sunshine plus the nice, well-maintained adobe structure. We didn't go in because it was so nice outside, but based on other reviews it would have been best if we'd taken a few minutes to survey the inside. Another charming and inspirational site to visit while in Santa Fe.

While strolling in richly scenic Santa Fe, we stopped in this historic church to better appreciate the linkage between early Spanish missionaries & Native Americans (who built this church). Simple, minimalist, and sobering to reflect on the dedication of those early worshipers. Helpful, informative docents contributed to our appreciation...and the $1. entry fee helps maintain the aging structure ;-)

San Miguel Chapel dates back to at least 1628, making it the oldest existing church in the country. It is rather small and there's not a whole lot to see, but it's very cool visiting such a historic place.

I really enjoyed our visit to this chapel.The best part was when my granddaughter sat in a pew with a smile on her face totally silent. I asked her if she was ok and she said "grandma I am having and awe haw moment this place is beautiful. My 14 year old grandaughter and I really recomend a visit to the chapel.

While up in Santa Fe decided to walk around and found this church. Being that’s it’s the oldest in North America at a cost of $1 why not.

Well preserved and very interesting. My wife and I found it to be very neat.

We missed going into the church by 30 minutes, but enjoyed the exterior and visited the oldest house across the alley.

The San Miguel Chapel is certainly worth a few minutes to stop and see the oldest church building in the U. S. We entered through a door on the right side of the building and donated a dollar each to step inside the chapel (certainly worth the price, and there's much to maintain on an old structure). The sweet chapel is so like and yet so different from other church buildings. Just imagine the many people who have worshipped and prayed inside these walls for hundreds of years. We appreciated the helpful docent who explained some of the history.

This lovely small church feels ancient. It is beautifully decorated, and so serene. The architectural design is very simple, but that adds to the feeling of immense age. It’s just a short walk from the plaza, and well worth the time.

It is a nice old church as most all are in Santa Fe; wish we knew there would be an admission cost; we probably would have skipped this one; we'd seen it 30 years ago; specifically its Loretto Chapel where the famous staircase is....$5 per adult; I likely would have put that much in a donation box; but the church seems like it shouldn't be out to make money- afterall, they had several gift shops .

This is the oldest church in the Southwest (1610) with the oldest bell. This adobe chapel has a nominal entrance fee ($5). The outside looks fantastic but the inside is beautiful. The bell is on display inside. There is a small museum inside along with a few items on sale. The gentleman on duty when we were there was far from friendly, actually somewhat cold but that didn't matter to us. Parking is an issue. We parked out back though I'm not sure I was legal. On the way to the chapel is a building marked as the oldest building. I think it is free but it didn't appear open when we passed it.

I felt a special sense of peace while in this most special of churches. Be sure to approach the altar to see down to the old foundation.

When we walked into this beautiful mission we were amazed at the beautiful hand carved wood ceiling, and the gorgeous altar. The bell was so cool with the different prayer emblems on it. Well worth the $1 per person to enter.

We really enjoyed it, and it was an easy and quick visit. Our teenagers also liked it. It's near many other things to visit as well so an easy add on.

The hardest part about visiting is finding a time. This listing says 8-2pm, but the real answer is “whenever there isn’t a service or event. We arrived and they were practing for a concert, so we only were able to steal a look inside and checked out the exterior at length.

By the way, it’s right next to the oldest house in America

The church is not pet friendly understandably so we had to be satisfied observing from the outside. That being said there were a large group of teens touring it at the time so it was a saving grace. Love all the different architecture so at home in a Flintstone Bedrock set. Feel privet edged to see such a historic site even from afar