San Felipe de Neri Church, Albuquerque (must see)
San Felipe de Neri Church is one of the city鈥檚 most treasured landmarks. Built in 1793, it stands as one of the oldest surviving buildings in Albuquerque and a remarkable symbol of faith and endurance through the centuries.
The church鈥檚 origins date back to 1706, when the first mission was dedicated initially to Francis Xavier and later to Saint Philip Neri. That original structure served the community for nearly 90 years before collapsing due to disrepair. In 1793, a new church was constructed on the same site under the direction of New Mexico鈥檚 governor, Fernando de la Concha 鈥� the very one that still welcomes worshipers and visitors today.
San Felipe de Neri features a single nave design, with thick adobe walls and rich wooden furnishings typical of early colonial architecture. The church was remodeled in the 1860s, when its elegant twin bell towers and Gothic-inspired interior were added. Further restoration in 1916 brought the addition of a pressed tin ceiling, enhancing its timeless charm.
Over time, the church grounds expanded to include several historic buildings 鈥� a rectory, barn, stable, and parish hall. In 1878, Our Lady of the Angels School opened here, becoming Albuquerque鈥檚 first public school. A few years later, in 1881, the Sister Blandina Convent was built and served local nuns for nearly a century. Today, it houses a small museum and gift shop where visitors can learn more about the church鈥檚 storied past.
Visitors are welcome to attend Mass or explore the church鈥檚 museum during open hours. Even when services aren鈥檛 taking place, the graceful adobe fa莽ade, bell towers, and peaceful courtyard make San Felipe de Neri Church a must-see stop on any walk through Old Town Albuquerque.
Tip:
The museum and gift shop hours are irregular. Mass is held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday at 7 AM; Saturday at 4 PM; and Sunday at 7 and 11 AM.
The church鈥檚 origins date back to 1706, when the first mission was dedicated initially to Francis Xavier and later to Saint Philip Neri. That original structure served the community for nearly 90 years before collapsing due to disrepair. In 1793, a new church was constructed on the same site under the direction of New Mexico鈥檚 governor, Fernando de la Concha 鈥� the very one that still welcomes worshipers and visitors today.
San Felipe de Neri features a single nave design, with thick adobe walls and rich wooden furnishings typical of early colonial architecture. The church was remodeled in the 1860s, when its elegant twin bell towers and Gothic-inspired interior were added. Further restoration in 1916 brought the addition of a pressed tin ceiling, enhancing its timeless charm.
Over time, the church grounds expanded to include several historic buildings 鈥� a rectory, barn, stable, and parish hall. In 1878, Our Lady of the Angels School opened here, becoming Albuquerque鈥檚 first public school. A few years later, in 1881, the Sister Blandina Convent was built and served local nuns for nearly a century. Today, it houses a small museum and gift shop where visitors can learn more about the church鈥檚 storied past.
Visitors are welcome to attend Mass or explore the church鈥檚 museum during open hours. Even when services aren鈥檛 taking place, the graceful adobe fa莽ade, bell towers, and peaceful courtyard make San Felipe de Neri Church a must-see stop on any walk through Old Town Albuquerque.
Tip:
The museum and gift shop hours are irregular. Mass is held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday at 7 AM; Saturday at 4 PM; and Sunday at 7 and 11 AM.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Albuquerque. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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San Felipe de Neri Church on Map
Sight Name: San Felipe de Neri Church
Sight Location: Albuquerque, USA (See walking tours in Albuquerque)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Albuquerque, USA (See walking tours in Albuquerque)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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