Tucked in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is a tiny community that founded in the late 17th century by Spanish settlers. Its location in the valley nourished by the Santa Cruz River nearby led to the first inhabitants becoming experts in farming, raising livestock, and artisan crafts. Today, the tiny community thrives and continues to build on the traditions set by those first inhabitants. Here’s why you should visit historic Chimayó, located in the heart of Northern New Mexico.

The fortified plaza of San Buenaventura (now the Plaza del Cerro) was built here to protect against threats of frontier life.
City-Data.com
It is the last surviving fortified plaza in the United States.
The area is known for its chile peppers.
LuceroPhotos/Flickr
mimerkel/Flickr
Locals sell harvested varieties as well as decorative arrangements to visitors.
Weaving is a proud traditon that continues here today.
Kathy Knorr/Flickr
Howard Lifshitz/Flickr
Shops sell blankets featuring intricate and colorful patterns.
Livestock is abundant.
Maureen/Flickr
Early settlers raised sheep, cattle, and horses.
The desertscape is spectacular.
Denise Womack-Avila/Flickr
This beautiful photo is of a rising moonscape.

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A chapel was built in 1816 called el Santuario de Nuestro Señor de Esquipulas.
Paul Gorbould/Flickr
Luz/Flickr
This chapel is now commonly called el Santuario de Chimayo.
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It is considered one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the United States.
Miraculous healings are believed to have occurred at the site about 200 years ago.
Yaya Dada/Flickr
Pilgrams and travelers come for healing, spiritual restoration, and simply for curiosity and hospitality.
Paul Gorbould/Flickr
Prayer beads Santuario at the chapel are an example of how many of the faithful visit.
The community sees beautiful changes of the season, making it a spectacular place to visit year-round.
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wplynn/Flickr
A nearby Hoodoo wall (a type of geological foundation) adds to the landscape interest of the area.

Have you visited this historic community in Northern New Mexico, and if so, what did you like best about it? Learn more about the area and places to visit here. For related content, you’ll want to learn more about these 12 small towns that offer nothing but peace and tranquility in New Mexico.

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