"The Oldest Church in the USA, on its original foundation,
still holding services"
Photo: David Wilson
Masses in English
First Sundays of the Month
at 3pm
Regular visiting hours :
Monday: 1 - 3pm
Tuesday - Saturday: 10am - 3pm
Sunday: Noon - 3pm
Docent History talks
Tuesday through Saturday: 11am & 2pm
Donate $5 - $20+ and become
a Benefactor and a member of the
400-year-old San Miguel Chapel
Preservation Community !
Thank you!
When the chapel is open for visiting,
you are invited to pray, explore, & rest.
Docents are available for information & talks
whenever the chapel is open.
Watch here for updates, Thank you.
(updated MAY 20, 2023)
Mask-wearing for visitors is encouraged
and social distancing is appreciated.
Remember those of us who are older
or may be immuno-compromised.
Mysterious San Jose Bell Story ~ Click HERE
San Miguel Chapel History ~ Click HERE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
HISTORY
For a complete time-line history of, possibly, the Oldest Church in the US. Click the button below.
When visiting, please enjoy San Miguel Chapel History Center complete with artifacts and archival photos.
Please engage with our knowledgeable and passionate Docents who can give you a tour during visiting hours to enrich your chapel experience!
San Miguel Chapel is always looking for MORE DOCENTS to help inform visitors about this wonderful historic building.
Please use our CONTACT form if you'd like to schedule a private talk, private event or join our community as a Docent for 2 - 4 hours per week.
The contact form creates a written record of your inquiry so that it may be addressed as soon as possible.
Thank you!
Please
PRESERVATION
This privately owned building is the best-preserved adobe building in NM.
Learn about how Saint Michael's High School & Cornerstones Community Partnerships,
People just like you, have restored and preserved San Miguel Chapel for the past 400 years.
Your donation is used exclusively by the Chapel Preservation fund.
Thank you !
Sustaining Community
San Miguel Chapel is privately owned by Saint Michael's High School a LaSallian Christian Brothers private school. Historically, adobe churches such as San Miguel Chapel served their communities for worship and ceremonies as well as other functions. Activities within have included concerts, readings, lectures, gatherings and town meetings. They may also served as infirmaries and as shelter from weather or danger. People from all walks of life have been gathering
at this location for over 400 years.
Originating circa 1610, the Chapel was built by indigenous Mexican allies of the Spanish. In 1859, Saint Michael's High School, a Christian Brothers Institution, along with community members and patrons worldwide, has supported the chapels's ongoing preservation. The Archdiocese and St Francis Cathedral administrate solely the religious services when held at San Miguel Chapel.
Acknowledgments and gratitude goes out to locals and visitors who are nourished by Sunday masses; seekers and travelers from around the world who visit to pray, meditate and learn more about the Chapel's culturally significant history;
enthusiastic concert attendees and to our friendly, knowledgeable and dedicated group of volunteers and docents for their support.
Donate or Volunteer
You can become a member of this 400 year old preservation community
by visiting, donating or helping to preserve and restore San Miguel Chapel.
The Chapel accepts building, cleaning, office materials
as well as volunteer craftsmanship and docent positions.
Craftspeople and volunteers wishing to donate their time and skills towards adobe reconstruction and preservation should contact chapel collaborators
Cornerstones Community Partnerships.
San Miguel Chapel DOCENT program is less formal than state museums
and historical sites. Please use our contact form below
to learn more about becoming a Docent.
Donations to the Chapel are exclusively allocated to the Chapel preservation fund.
Thank you!
FAQ's
Q: Can I take photographs in and around the chapel?
A: Yes. Be discrete and respectful of our meditative space.
Sacraments are in the building only during mass.
Q: Can we get married in the chapel?
A: No. The Archdiocese does not allow weddings in the Chapel.
We do allow proposals, vow-renewals and memorials.
Q: Parking?
A: There is parking in the Tourism Lot across Old Santa Fe Trail from the Capital Building (The Roundhouse). You can also enter from De Vargas St (one way) that runs along side the chapel then turn right into the lot, then turn right again to get closer to the chapel.
This lot is reserved state legislative sessions which occur
during February through April each year.
Q: Private Tours?
A: During visitor hours, our enthusiastic and well-informed docents are available to tell you the story about San Miguel Chapel. Just ask!
Please use our contact form with at least 3 days notice if you would like to schedule a private tour with your group.
Q: Why are donations requested?
A: We do not have a set entrance fee. The chapel is privately owned and for the past 400 years has been preserved and restored solely by gifts from visitors and community who cherish this fragile all-adobe structure. Since constant adobe plastering eroded by weather along with other restorative work needs to be completed at least biannually, the costs are considerable. As you experience San Miguel Chapel, we ask that you express your appreciation with a donation.
Become a Benefactor of "the oldest church in the USA" when you give anywhere from $5-20 or more.
Please give what you feel comfortable with. Thank you!
Q: Is there a restroom in the Chapel?
A: The plumbing is very old and fragile. We have an arrangement with Upper Crust Pizza next door wherein Chapel visitors can use their restrooms. During weekly business hours, The Visitors' Center adjacent to the back of the chapel, has restrooms as well. Thank you for understanding.
Contact Us
401 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe NM, 87501