The San Francisco de Asis Mission Church in Ranchos de Taos has inspired artists perhaps more than any other building in the United States. Georgia O’Keeffe painted it four times and Ansel Adams and Paul Strand famously photographed it. Begun around 1772 and finished in 1815, it is built entirely of adobe, mud and straw.
Anna and I went to Taos the other day specifically to get some photos of the church to share with you. Interestingly, it is the back of the structure that is most compelling. No photos are allowed inside, so I’m afraid I can’t share that with you. You’ll need to come for a visit yourselves to experience the stunning art that is housed there.
The church sits on the plaza in Ranchos de Taos, itself an historic district, about four miles southwest of the town of Taos. It was declared a National Historic Landmark and is also designated as a World Heritage Church. Georgia O’Keeffe described it as, “… one of the most beautiful buildings left in the United States by the early Spaniards.”
There are interesting shops on the plaza including Two Graces Plaza Gallery and Orr’s Trading Post, that you’ll want to visit.
In the meantime, I offer you, here, San Francisco de Asis Mission Church:
Love to you all,
Jeane
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great photos of a favorite spot.
Thank you. It’s a stunning building–a powerful use of mud and straw.
You did a beautiful job capturing the many facets of a building that I have found challenging to photograph, despite what the famous images would lead us to assume.
Thank you, Kathy. It is surprisingly challenging to get good angles on this beautiful structure what with cars, signage and utility poles these days. I wish I could have gone another time to shoot the shaded side of the building in sunlight. I think that would require staying in Taos for the night to catch the church in very early morning light.
Beautiful…I love the rounded edges that the adobe affords…to me they are so voluptuous and welcoming. Wonderful photos…you do an wonderful job enticing visitors my dear:)
Thank you, Grace. I love photographing the beauty of this marvelous place I live. Glad the pics entice you. That means I’ll be seeing you one of these days 🙂
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Inside_San_Francisco_de_Asis_church_-_Rancho_de_Taos,_New_Mexico,_United_States.jpg I found this one link of interior artwork!
That panel is just above the entry door. I actually took quite a few photos inside of the sumptuous large panels, not seeing the sign that all photos were strictly prohibited until I was leaving. I’d love to post them but I wouldn’t feel right about it.