Santa Fe’s San Miguel Chapel is considered by many to be the oldest Catholic church in the continental US. Constructed by Mexican Indians from Tlaxcala by 1610, this simple adobe structure has withstood several battles including the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. The congregation is particularly proud of its 789 lb. church bell, the San Jose bell, which is now safely stored and on display in the church lobby. The church is open to visitors generally from 10-3 daily. It is staffed by docents who will explain the building’s history, the addition of 2 supporting stone buttresses on the sides, the art inside, and the story of the bell. They will lead guests in ringing the bell themselves. I was a little nervous taking my turn to strike the bell—because I didn’t want to be remembered as “the girl that broke the historic bell.”
You can park in the lot behind the New Mexico State offices. That building was once a 3 story school, Saint Michael’s High School, affiliated with the church. The third floor was consumed by fire and the lower 2 floors are now government offices. There are reserved placard parking spaces and it is easy for those using wheelchairs to follow smooth sidewalks to the government building. From there it becomes a little tricky as you need to work your way through almost a maze of flat sections of the walkway to reach the chapel entrance. It can be done, just don’t get discouraged when you come across steps.
