The iconic adobe church in the American Southwest has stood in the small town of Taos for more than two centuries.
60 St Francis Plaza, Ranchos De Taos, NM 87557
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Located in the small village of Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, the San Francisco de Asís Church is one of the most iconic historic structures, as well as one of the most photographed and painted buildings in the United States, drawing artists, photographers, history lovers, and spiritual seekers from around the world.
Spanish Colonial settlers began construction on the church in the late 18th century and completed it in 1816. Built to stand the test of time, the church is made of sun-dried adobe bricks of mud and straw, reflecting a blend of Spanish Colonial design and Indigenous building traditions that have shaped northern New Mexico for centuries. Its massive walls, twin bell towers, and distinctive curved buttresses create a striking silhouette that drew international recognition through the works of artists Georgia O’Keeffe and photographer Ansel Adams. Their artistic interpretations of the adobe church turned it into an icon of the American Southwest.
While its architecture is impressive and holds a unique beauty, the church’s greatest asset is its role as a living community landmark. More than 200 years after its completion, San Francisco de Asís remains an active parish and a gathering place for local residents. Every year, parishioners and volunteers participate in “The Enjarre,” an annual tradition of reapplying layers of mud plaster to protect the adobe structure from the elements. This centuries-old practice helps keep the church standing for future generations while preserving a connection to the community’s heritage.
The church is a highlight along the famous High Road to Taos, as one of the several historic churches that dot the landscape of northern New Mexico. It is free to visit, and photography is allowed inside, just no flash.
