Shrine of the Stations of the Cross

Shrine of the Stations of the Cross chapin31

A deep history of Hispanic heritage runs throughout the San Luis Valley in Colorado, and this is perhaps most evident at the Shrine of the Stations of the Cross in San Luis.

Constructed in the 1980s and dedicated in 1990, the Spanish-Moorish style adobe church was created by parishioners of the Sangre de Cristo Parish in San Luis, Colorado, crafted as an act of love and good faith. The shrine also resides atop a mesa and was designed as a place where any faith was welcome to fellowship. Inside, wooden pews line the sanctuary as brilliant white walls evoke a sense of reflection and meditation.

The church itself is an architectural masterpiece, and it is complemented by a half-mile trail leading to the shrine that is decorated with several pieces of religious artwork. Along the path are 15 stations with bronze sculptures depicting moments in the story of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, designed by local sculptor Huberto Maesta. Though traditionally there are only 14 Stations of the Cross, this pathway includes an additional station that displays the Ressurection.

The Shrine of the Stations of the Cross is an ode to the region’s rich Hispanic heritage, along with its strong beliefs in community and religion.

Know Before You Go

Parking is available next to the visitor’s center. Free admission and open year round.

Park at the Visitor Center, if you want to walk the footpath to the church, and experience each of the stations along the way. The footpath is uphill at an elevation just under 8,000 feet. If you prefer to drive to the church look for a regular, green street sign labeled "STATIONS OF THE CROSS RD." Turn off of CO-159 and drive a dirt road up the hill, continuing to follow additional green street signs labeled "STATIONS OF THE CROSS RD."