San Francisco de Asis Mission Church
If this squat adobe edifice about four miles south of Taos looks familiar, it's because this Spanish Colonial church has inspired artists since it was built in 1816. Almost elemental in its strength and simplicity, the building's design is a classic mix of Spanish and native styles, with massive "beehive" buttresses propping up the walls and twin bell towers adorned with white crosses. Ansel Adams and Georgia O'Keeffe are just two of the long list of artists who have tried to capture the church on film or canvas. It's still in use, but when services aren't being held, visitors are welcome to come inside. (Inevitably, a bunch of galleries and gift shops have sprung up around the square.) You can watch a video about the church and puzzle over "The Shadow of the Cross," an 1896 life-size painting of Christ that reveals a mysterious glowing cross when they dim the lights (which they're happy to do for visitors).
If this squat adobe edifice about four miles south of Taos looks familiar, it's because this Spanish Colonial church has inspired artists since it was built in 1816. Almost elemental in its strength and simplicity, the building's design is a classic mix of Spanish and native styles, with massive "beehive" buttresses propping up the walls and twin bell towers adorned with white crosses. Ansel Adams and Georgia O'Keeffe are just two of the long list of artists who have tried to capture the church on film or canvas. It's still in use, but when services aren't being held, visitors are welcome to come inside. (Inevitably, a bunch of galleries and gift shops have sprung up around the square.) You can watch a video about the church and puzzle over "The Shadow of the Cross," an 1896 life-size painting of Christ that reveals a mysterious glowing cross when they dim the lights (which they're happy to do for visitors).
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