San Juan Bautista Church

In a state known for its colonial and Pueblo-inspired architecture, and particularly in a pueblo itself, a neo-Gothic church seems rather unexpected. However, although the current church itself dates from 1912, there has been one here since 1598. That makes the San Juan Bautista congregation one of the oldest in the United States. Even more impressively, the pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh dates back to around 1200, making it one of the oldest towns in the country.

Its founding was tied to the initial colonization by the Spanish. Juan de Oñate came to New Mexico aware of its mineral resources, which the Spanish crown was also interested in. He was also backed by the Franciscans, who wished to convert the native population. Oñate was able to subjugate and convert the settlement of Ohkay Owingeh. The capital of New Mexico was established here, before moving to the new city of Santa Fe in 1610.

This parish was first founded by natives and settlers as the Church of San Miguel, around a mile away from the current location. It moved here in 1643, and was rebuilt in the current style (then in vogue) in 1912 after a fire. Across the street from the church is the older Our Lady of Lourdes shrine, built in 1889.