LISTEN TO THE HISTORY OF THIS CHURCH

It has been called one of the most beautiful examples of historical New Mexican churches.

El Rito, located northwest of Ojo Caliente in Rio Arriba county, was established about 1808 when Hispanic settlers from the Abiquiu area began to move in to raise cattle and cultivate the land. It was originally named El Rito Colorado after the creek that passes through the village. It soon became evident that a church was needed in the area since the nearest church in Abiquiu was 14 miles away.

Construction of San Juan Nepomuceno began in approximately 1830 and probably took two years to complete. It was built in the typical cruciform style with thick adobe walls and flat roof supported by heavy vigas.

DO YOU HAVE MEMORIES OF THIS CHURCH? PLEASE CONSIDER SHARING THEM HERE.