Near Chimayo in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Santuario de Chimayó
In 1816, Bernardo Abeyta and the other residents of El Potrero, then a separate community, finished this massive adobe chapel honoring Nuestro Señor de Esquípulas. It is noted for its 6-foot crucifix and its tradition of healing the sick. The Santuario remained in the Abeyta family until the 1920s.
Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division and Department of Highways.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Notable Buildings • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1816.
Location. 35° 59.332′ N, 105° 55.936′ W. Marker is near Chimayo, New Mexico, in Rio Arriba County. It is on Sanctuario Drive - County 94C 0.2 miles west of Juan Medina Road (County Road 98), on the right. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chimayo NM 87522, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northern New Mexico. It is also in the American Southwest, in the Mountain West, and at the Four Corners. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Chimayo (approx. 0.9 miles away); The St. Francis Women's Club (approx. 6.1 miles away); Santa Cruz de la Cañada / Santa Cruz Plaza on the Camino Real (approx. 6½ miles away); Truchas (approx. 6.7 miles away); Chimayo Trading Post / Trujillo House (approx. 7.6 miles away); Truchas Peaks (approx. 8 miles away); Esther Martinez - P’oe Tsáwäˀ (1912-2006) (approx. 8.3 miles away); San Gabriel (approx. 8.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chimayo.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Cordova (was approx. 2.4 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. The Sanctuary has become extremely popular the last three or four decades. There's an overflow lot southeast of the chapel plaza area. The marker is near a small parking area southwest of the chapel, on the main square of the Chimayo Sanctuary area.
Regarding Santuario de Chimayó. There is also a Señor de Esquipulas (Black Christ of Esquipulas) Shrine in Esquipulas, Guatemala.
Also see . . . El Santuario de Chimayo Shrine. Roadside America website entry (Submitted on July 12, 2010, by Chris English of Phoenix, Arizona.)

Photographed by Thomas Chris English, July 1, 2010
3. Santuario de Chimayo Marker - Reverse
New Mexico Historic Marker Maps
The state's Official Scenic Historic Markers usually have a map on the reverse side showing the location of more local markers. For the ardent historical marker seeker, these maps are a mine of information, waiting for extraction.
This map is on the Santuario de Chimayo reverse. The view is north west. The shrine towers are visible.

Photographed by Thomas Chris English, July 1, 2010
6. Santuario de Chimayo Pilgrim's Statue
The Pilgrim's statue is one of thousands of expressions of faith materialized at the Chimayo Sanctuary. From crosses of twigs, candles; shrines ranging from 8 feet tall to a small chapel, people have made Chimayo and expression of their faith.

Photographed by Thomas Chris English, July 1, 2010
7. Santuario de Chimayo Pilgrim's Statue Inscription
a su santuario de amor”
the Lord has invited us to walk to His shrine of love in Chimayo.
Here we will find the “holy dirt” that strengthens us and purifies the faith that takes away our pain.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2010, by Chris English of Phoenix, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,527 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on July 9, 2010, by Chris English of Phoenix, Arizona. 11. submitted on August 12, 2010, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. 12. submitted on January 16, 2011, by Michael D Martin of Gig Harbor, Washington. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.








