San José de Gracia Church stands on the main plaza of Las Trampas in northern New Mexico and is regarded as one of the least-altered surviving Spanish Colonial Pueblo mission churches. Las Trampas was founded in 1751 by twelve Spanish families, and the adobe church was built between 1760 and 1776 as the settlement grew. Its preservation was aided by the village’s relative isolation. The church is notable for its cruciform adobe design, massive walls, clerestory window, painted ceilings, and interior works by santeros. Restored in 1932, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970 and remains important to New Mexico’s colonial and religious history.

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain