el santuario de chimayo

We came back to chimayo just to visit here and we weren't disappointed. It was amazing. When you walk through the doors the air seemed different. You can feel it. I can't describe what it looked like. You have to see it for yourself. And don't forget to get some dirt from the hole in the back.

The grounds of this church have several small shrines that reflect the devotion and culture of New Mexico and the throngs of pilgrims who come to visit. Even secular travelers will enjoy the colorful mosaics and altars. Sacred pilgrims will find places for quiet prayer, reflection and meditation if they come early in the morning and avoid the famous group pilgrimages of Holy Week. The small church fills quickly for Mass, and the locals are friendly. The only negative experience was that the sermon reflected ultra liberal views that did not seem congruent with the traditional Catholicism found in the rest of the sanctuary. Parking is easy. Gift shops are available, but charge $2.50 for a plastic bag in which you can put holy dirt. There was plenty to hold the attention of the child and teen I traveled with. Allow at least 2-3 hours.

A reverend sacred place you shouldn't miss if near Santa Fe. It fills you with awe and a stillness that releases the stress. The story is so spiritual and reminds us of a much bigger power. It's a much beloved place. Spend a bunch at the gift area...it supports the care of this area. You will leave refreshed.

This small rural church is a favorite pilgrimage destination, where pilgrims leave handmade crosses and other items as part of their prayer petitions. The church sanctuary and altar have striking colonial Spanish art. The side rooms to the left of the altar have collections of photographs left which are moving reminders of the devotional seriousness of this sacred place. Pilgrims dig the sacred sand in one side room as a connection to prayer requests. The church and its plaza were beautiful in a New Mexico snow during our visit.

This place must be experienced because it's hard to describe. This comes from knowing of the healing that had occurred here. I was surprised with how touristy it was with the trading posts and food stands but that doesn't take away from the chapel itself.

This is a very sacred place ever since I have heard and known about this church was amazing.You need to really get in touch with your inner self and take this as a journey. There are people that have for generations done a pilgrimage to this church from everywhere to pray. I did see and know the trek from Santa Fe is about 25 miles each way. Go see the Faith hanging on the walls of this sacred place it is something that will change your life.If they are having a service when you are there ,remove your hat and sit and listen to part of the summon...

There is something special here, even though the place has become a little touristy with surrounding gift shops, food stands, etc. People still believe in the power of the healing dirt, referenced by all the crutches and other signs of disability that have been left once people who used them were healed. Someone told me there was a vortex under the Santuario and chemical analysis of the dirt did show properties like different minerals and elements that might make it feel good to the skin it was rubbed on. It is an old, tight-knit village church that has a lot of history, prayers, hope and events built into it. It stands as a pilgrimage site still to believers, and exudes New Mexico heritage, tradition and folklore.

Nice rest stop between Santa Fe and Taos. Arrived early on a cold blustery morning, and it is beautiful with fresh snow. IT is easy to see why this location was chosen for the church as it is so peaceful and serene. We aren't Catholic but sure did enjoy a quick view of what is called the "Lourdes of America" and while the gift shop wasn't open it was easy to see the nice cultural artifacts and local lore they had through the window.

It is well known as a shrine to heal. Many of my international friends have also been there and still keep it in their spirit.

I arrived at Chimayo around 10 a.m. on a Tuesday. It was almost deserted, so I was able to look at everything closely and not be rushed or have to stand in line. It is a beautiful, sacred place that is meticulously maintained. I parked in the lower lot and walked up the hill--it is a gentle grade. There is also parking at the top of the hill, which is closer to the chapels. My only issue is the overabundance of gift shops within the confines of a sacred site. Yes, signs were posted that all proceeds go to upkeep and preservation, but one or two shops would have been enough. I was also taken a bit aback by the high prices of items--candles for use in the chapels were $4.00 each. Granted, there is no admission fee, but the commercialism put me off just a bit. All that aside, the chapels are absolutely beautiful. Well worth a visit and be sure to take time for reflection in each. Photography is allowed at the site except inside the chapels. There are many, many signs advising visitors of this fact and that surveillance is in effect ("You are being watched", and I don't think they meant by the Holy Family). Sadly, apparently some incidents have made these warnings and precautions necessary.

We arrived early on a cold and windy morning, explored the grounds, took some pictures, and almost decided to leave for Taos without waiting for the church and gift shop to open at 9:00. Boy, are we ever glad we decided to stay! By the time we finished our tour of the church we were telling each other that El Santuario de Chimayo is one of the most interesting and spiritually enriching places we’ve visited in the Southwest. We found some nice mementos in the gift shop too.It’s easy to see why this holy place is dubbed “the Lourdes of America” and visited by so many people in need of physical or emotional healing. The sheer volume of rosaries, crosses, crutches, photos, and other items left by visitors is amazing. For testimonials, visit www.elsantuariodechimayo.us/Santuario/windex.html.We parked in the lower lot, which provides handy access to the grounds but entails a moderate climb to the upper level where the church, gift shop, restrooms, and other facilities are located. If anybody in your group is physically challenged, use the upper drive and park in a handicap spot.

It's off the beaten path, but this is something that you just have to see. It's NOT touristy, but there are other things to do there.

Actually three chapels - the main chapel, the chapel of the Santo Nino, and a third small chapel beside the Santo Nino chapel dedicated to children. Features incredible woodcarvings. An incredibly meaningful place from both a historical as well as a spiritual point of view.

Take a detour from your trip to see this historic place. Such a spiritual encounter. Yes there are shops, but it's not a tourist trap. Most of the items are locally made and the clerks share a wealth of knowledge.

This is a beautiful little chapel that has now become famous. It is still a village chapel most of the time so respect is expected. Go in and sit quietly and enjoy the lovely old paintings and carvings even if Catholicism is not your religion. Still a very spiritual place and still very much the center of religion in northern New Mexico