Oldest Madonna in the U.S.

St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe NM

Santa Fe's St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral Basilica is home to the Oldest Madonna in the United States.  Built in the Romanesque Revival the cathedral is a structure that has been significantly renovated and modernized over the years.

St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe NM

Situated on the grounds of a church, La Parroquia, that was built in 1717, the new cathedral was begun in 1869 and a small chapel from the old church was kept.  This is the Chapel of La Conquistadora, seen below.

La Conquistadora Chapel and Retablo, St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe. NM

The small wooden statue known as La Conquistadora,  was brought by Fray Alonso Benavides, Franciscan Superior of the New Mexico Missions, to the small Santa Fe church that preceded La Parroquia.  Her name, La Conquistadora refers to the time of the conquistadors in which she had arrived. Beloved by both indigenous inhabitants and Spanish colonists, from the start the figure was dressed to look like a Spanish queen. 

When the Spanish were forced to flee Santa Fe during the 1680 Pueblo revolt, they took the statue and during the 1693 battle to reclaim Santa Fe, La Conquistadora was the patron saint of the reconquest. 

La Conquistadora, St Francis of Assisi Cathedral Basilica, Santa FE NM

Processions honoring La Conquistadora began in 1694 and to this day she is an important figure in the life of Santa Fe.  Her chapel is considered the oldest Marian Shrine in the United States.

Dressing La Conquistadora has been a part of her veneration from the very earliest days, stemming from traditions in both the Spanish and indigenous American cultures.  She has an extensive wardrobe which is changed seasonally.  Having La Conquistadora wear one of your creations is considered a great honor.  

La Conquistadora, St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe NM

La Conquistadora, St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral Basilica, Santa Fe NM

For more information about the ancient tradition of dressing religious figures, please read: 
https://colonialmexicoinsideandout.blogspot.com/2019/05/dressing-divine.html



 See also https://colonialmexicoinsideandout.blogspot.com/2013/06/nuestra-senora-de-los-remedios-nuestra.html  for a fascinating look at two other madonna statues that are central to the cities in which they are located.