If you have ever visited San Francisco, you’ve probably noticed the beautiful old mission buildings. These are not just a sight to behold, but a way to learn about the history of the region. Many of the missions date back to the seventeenth century. You can visit them all and learn more about their fascinating stories. The San Diego Mission, for example, is a 1769 structure with a 46-foot tower and is home to the city’s daily mass. You can also tour these churches by booking guided tours ahead of time.
The California Missions Museum is located in Sonoma and features scale models of all 21 missions. The museum was originally built to serve as a base for the 1939 California Pacific Exhibition. Dhara is passionate about exploring her home state and has visited all 21 missions in every season. You can see pictures of all 21 missions on her website. There are several great websites to check out for more information. There are also several eBooks that are free to download.
San Juan Bautista Mission is one of the oldest and most beautiful missions in California. The mission itself is stunning and worth a visit, as well as the historic district surrounding it. Unlike many other missions, it is the only three-aisle structure in California. It is also home to the only remaining Hannon statue of Saint Junipero Serra, which was used for the famous movie Vertigo. You can also take pictures of the interior and exterior of each mission to appreciate the rich history behind them.
Mission Santa Barbara is located on a hill overlooking the city of Santa Barbara. It has been nicknamed the Queen of the Missions and was founded in 1786. It is the tenth mission to be built in Alta California. It was the first mission to use water from the Ventura River. You can visit the original mission fountain in the courtyard. And there are several other historic buildings to see as well. If you are lucky, you can see all 21 missions on the same day!
