One of the first buildings you come across at Ranchos de las Golondrinas is the church. The church is the north building of a hacienda that has a central plaza with a well in the center and hornos for baking. Note the church has a pitched, tin roof, but the other buildings have flat roofs. The church originally had a flat roof as well, and the tin roof would have been added after 1850 when New Mexico became a US territory which opened up trade and goods to come in from the Eastern US. The ceiling of the church still has the horizontal vigas (timbers) that supported the original flat, dirt roof.
The interior of the church has simple benches for pews, an artisan crafted retablo at the altar, and hand carved Stations of the Cross (the Stations of the Cross are a modern addition, according to a docent).
Off Center & Not Even 
Looks like it would be tough living!
Life could be really rough in the 18th and 19th Century in New Mexico, but people survived pretty well.
What a great place to explore.
Yes! It really is.
Hi, Tim.
This is one of the very few times we have a couple of pics that actually look pretty similar! I guess with hundreds of pics, it is not surprising one or two are somewhat similar. 😉
We are still talking about what a great day it was!
Thanks, Susan. I saw the photo you took that has me doing the first interior photo. You are in the background of that photo, taking a photo. I can see how we would come up with similar photos of the church.
Love the artwork in the church. Beautiful.
Thanks, Julia. The style and colors and rally nice.
Nice photos, Timothy! It’s pretty impressive what they built with earth and wood back then. I love those ovens, too.
Thanks, Lavinia. Adobe works very well in our dry climate.
I like the hanging dried peppers – that is such a New Mexico thing 🙂 What a pretty place to visit… really gives you a feel for life at that time in history.
Ristras are very New Mexico and as decorative as they are useful. You do get a sense of the past and the history in Las Golondrinas. It’s lots of fun and makes me appreciate modern technology and all the conveniences that go with it.
Stunning! I love that first photo. I collect photos of churches. I really love this! These are my favorite photos of yours so far!
Thanks, Michelle. One project I have in mind, but haven’t done, is to get photos of all the old churches and missions in NM. One problem is some of the coolest churches are on pueblos and the indians get really picky about photographs on their lands.
Oh wow I would love to see that for sure! I have a print at home of the Ansel Adams Photo “Church, Taos Pueblo” in b/w on my wall now! All my photos are b/w in my home. I specifically love that top photo because I think it would look fantastic in b/w. I don’t know why I love churches in b/w but I do. Plus it matches the theme to my home so maybe that’s why! I think your photos are fascinating.
I’ll make a B&W copy for you. I didn’t photograph the church at Taos Pueblo when I was there years ago, because it’s been soooo photographed. I wouldn’t be surprised if they are not allowing photos these days.
Yes I noticed that too!
Oh wow that is kind of you to offer. I love what you are doing. The scenery is really beautiful there! Are you serious about that photo? I could trade you, I’ll design some art for you if you need something like that! 😀
Let’s see what it looks like in B&W. Check your email. I sent you links to a few more churches.
Ok thank you! I like it is color though! The color of them is amazing!
to my tellmeaboutit?
yes!
Well I thought I did, but it was michellmaria…
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Thanks! Much appreciated!
love love love this!! Great work Tim!
Thanks! Did you visit Las Golondrinas?
About 40 years ago when in college. I had forgotten all about it!!
We get up there about every five years. I still have a lot of photos of it, but the breweries and balloon fiesta have interrupted Los Golondrinas photos.
Ah yes I recall! Its fascinating how there is always something to grab you in the midst of that grand desert!
I see you are slowly amassing your collection of churches! I can’t wait to see them published all together!
It’s going a little slower than expected right now.
no matter, whenever its done it will be excellent!
Reblogged this on rebloggobbler.
Thanks! Much appreciated!