Quarai

[DES]

Quarai is a settlement in central New Mexico that dates back to prehistoric times. The mission church there dates back to the 1600's and is a National Historic Landmark. The red 40 ft. high structure against the blue sky makes for a very imposing scene. I've visited several times and am always impressed.

 

[AlanLichty]

That is a pretty impressive structure and how much of it remains intact in open air is quite remarkable considering its age.

 

[DES]

Repairs have been made but only for preservation purposes, and some restoration was done in the adjacent walled pueblo village. The story is that the women built the church because the men were occupied working the fields.

(I realize now I should have put this in the Historical forum - sorry)

 

[AlanLichty]

The wall construction looks a lot like the stonework that predates the arrival of the Spaniards. Not surprised to hear that the indigenous population constructed the building. The window and doorway beams look like they belong in Chaco Canyon.

 

[DES]

I believe the doorway beams were part of the preservation to strengthen the structure. That work was done in the 1930's.

Here's a better idea of the scale of the structure.

And a view of the surrounding pueblo ruins.

Thanks for looking and for your comments.

 

[AlanLichty]

Interesting to see the surrounding ruins. Makes me wonder what was originally right under the church. The Spanish priests typically built their churches right on top of whatever constituted the local holy spot before they arrived.

 

[JimFox]

Wow! This is super cool looking! It does have the feel of a smaller Chaco Canyon. I have not heard of this one before, so Quarai is it's name?

I like the additional images, because they really add some scale to it. From #1, it didn't seem that large, but with the other images it can be seen that it's pretty impressive.

 

[DES]

Wow! This is super cool looking! It does have the feel of a smaller Chaco Canyon. I have not heard of this one before, so Quarai is it's name?

I like the additional images, because they really add some scale to it. From #1, it didn't seem that large, but with the other images it can be seen that it's pretty impressive.

I was not aware of it for years and I happened upon an online comment which said "This is the most beautiful place on the face of the earth". Well....clearly an over-used statement....but then I had to see it.