Oldest Town in Colorado
San Luis, the oldest town in Colorado, was established on April 5, 1851, with a present population of approximately 750. San Luis is predominately Hispanic, with strong ties to Spain's religious, cultural, and artistic traditions. Once a part of four Spanish land grants decreed by the King of Spain, the town's adobe architecture and classic Spanish town layout retain the texture of the historical and cultural influences which shaped the early communities of Southern Colorado. The surrounding area is mainly a farming and agriculture area.
San Luis has an exceptional tourist attraction, The Stations of the Cross Shrine. These sculptors are to life size bronze statues of the 15 stations of the cross with the resurrection being the 15th. The Shrine is located on a mesa (flat top mountain) in the center of San Luis where we have recreated our own Calvary. The Shrine of the Stations of the Cross was built as an act of faith and love by the parishioners of the Sangre de Cristo Parish in San Luis, Colorado. We want a place of prayer and solace open to members of all faiths and good will and hope that those visiting will find consolation and peace in your life.
The spiritual traditions evident in this Shrine reflected in the lives of the people of San Luis and the surrounding area have deep roots. The Hispanic first settlers of this area brought with them Spanish and Mexican traditions of communal ownership of land and water, a strong allegiance to their language and customs, and intense religious faith. We are proud to be their descendants, and we are committed to preserving our sacred heritage.