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Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico

Thursday, November 18, 2004

Sight: #39

Address: 60 St Francis Plaza, Ranchos De Taos, New Mexico 87557

Hours: Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Admission: Free!

Phone: (575) 751-0518

Link: Official Website

Rating:

(5 max)

My first gander of the church is of its backside.

Smooth surfaces from a distance give way to coarse textures up close. Close inspection reveals the true nature of its composition, it's adobe. No surprises here, this is the Southwest after all, where everywhere you look is adobe. If I had a mind to I could easily pluck out numerous pieces of straw. On second thought, however, I don't think God would appreciate me removing the straw, it's his house after all.

After a thorough examination of the church's adobe construction I make my way to the front of the church. On the way I soak in the offerings of the left side of the church. I must say, unlike the gothic cathedrals of Europe, this church proves to be rather terse with its ornamation. Where are flying adobe buttresses? Where are the adobe gargoyles? Stain glass windows? Sadly, they are nowhere to be found.