Welcome to the Valley of Santa Fe Scottish Rite Temple! We encourage you to spend a moment on our tour and learn more about our unique building and its history. Did you know that within this building is a 100 plus year old theater complete with hand painted scenes hung on the old style fly system, a wardrobe room with costumes dating back to the turn of the 20th century that range from early Egyptian time to the present, one of the largest kitchens in northern New Mexico and numerous items with a historical tie to our founding as a state in 1912? If not, take some time and view our tour and then plan a personal visit to see firsthand one of the treasures of Santa Fe, the City Different and New Mexico True.
If you would like to visit the Temple in person, tours are given with advanced reservations Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm, please call (505) 982-4415.
THE ENTRANCE AND GRAND STAIRWAY
The Valley of Santa Fe Scottish Rite Temple was inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, Spain and many believe that this building is a replica of that palace. However, no part of it exactly reproduces any portion of the palace or fortress. The tie to the Alhambra comes from the desire to show the similarities of the culture of the two areas, Santa Fe, NM and the Alhambra region of Spain, and in the acceptance and support of varying religious beliefs, people and cultures – which are all Masonic virtues.
What you see in the entrance to the building is actually a copy of a gate, the Alhambra Gate of Justice. There are two cities in the area of the Alhambra. One is the city of Granada, and the other is the city of Santa Fe. As you leave Santa Fe, Spain going up onto the grounds, one must pass through a gate and this gate is depicted in the front entrance to the temple. This is the only portion of the temple that actually replicates an element of the Alhambra. However, the remainder of the beautiful structure encompasses within it a tremendous number of Moorish architectural elements.
The unusual color of the building strikes people right away. The color comes from the word Alhambra, which translates in English to “Big Red.” Sitting on the crest of a major hill overlooking Granada, the Alhambra dominated the view. The rising and setting sun would cast its warming rays on the building turning it a brilliant red. Thus it was dubbed “Big Red.” The real colors were warm earth tones – more brown, terra cotta or beige. Originally the color of this building was more terra cotta.
(click on the photos below to continue your tour)
