Basilica de San Albino, Mesilla Old Town (Las Cruces), New Mexico

Basilica de San Albino, Mesilla, New Mexico, USA

The Basilica San Albino in Las Cruces has the unique distinction, as an American church, of having been built in Mexico. The church was constructed in 1852 in northern Mexico, but Las Cruces, Mesilla, and the surrounding area was acquired by the United States in the Gladsden Purchase of 1854.

statue of Mary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

In 2008, the church was granted minor basilica status by the Holy See for being a church of historic and cultural significance.

I visited Las Cruces on one of the very rare rainy days that the desert town experiences every year. It was an icy cold day, and the rain and wind just made it feel worse. I had hoped to walk around Old Town Mesilla, but the rain and weather was so uncomfortable that I gave up, opting for a hot pinyon coffee and an early night at the hotel instead.

In downtown Mesilla, I ducked inside the basilica to get out of the rain. At the time, I wasn't aware of its history or cultural importance, but I was impressed with the beautiful church. Although it was the middle of a week day, there were a half dozen or so people sitting and praying inside the little church.

San Albino Mesilla interior

Visiting the Basilica de San Albino in Mesilla

• The church is located in the central square in historic downtown Mesilla. Las Cruces is easy to navigate, and most of the major old town attractions (including the town's museum district) are all located in the square near the church.
• 2280 Calle Principal, Mesilla, NM 88046
• Daily Mass is held in both English and Spanish.