Introduction
The Spanish Missions in California were part of the broader project of Spanish Roman Catholicism to Christianize the New World. From to ,
Here is the complete list of 21 Spanish Missions in California in chronological order:
Mission San Diego de Alcala (July 16, 1769) Where Fathers Junipero Serra, Palou and Parron raised a simple cross near the mouth of the San Diego river to begin the mission trail.
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo (June 3, 1770) Founded by Junipero Serra on Pentecost Sunday. His favorite mission. He and Father Lasuen are buried there. Served as the Ecclesiastical capital of California.
Mission San Antonio de Padua (July 14, 1771) Nestled in the San Antonio valley, a rural mission now largely restored to its original condition.
Mission San Gabriel Arcangel (September 8, 1771) An unusual fortress like structure with thick walls and narrow windows not found in any other mission. At one time boasted thousands of acres and 25% of the total wealth of the California Missions.
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa (September 1, 1772) Located in a fertile valley, raised abundant crops. Restored in the 1930s and houses Junipero Serra relics.
Mission San Francisco de Asis (Mission Dolores) (June 29, 1776) Site selected by Father Juan Bautista de Anza. Today located in the center of San Francisco, the Mission is the oldest building in the city.
Mission San Juan Capistrano (November 1, 1776) Designed in the shape of a cross. Serra Chapel is the oldest building still in use in California, and the only remaining chapel where Father Junipero Serra said mass.
Mission Santa Clara de Asis (January 12, 1777) Located on the grounds of Santa Clara University, which grew out of educational work started at the mission in 1851.
Mission San Buenaventura (March 31, 1782) The last mission dedicated by Junipero Serra, on Easter Sunday 1782. Stands three blocks from the ocean. Restored in 1957.
Mission Santa Barbara (December 4, 1786) First mission dedicated by Father Fermin Lasuen. Affectionately known as the Queen of the Missions. Still active as a parish church.
Mission La Purisma Concepcion (December 8, 1787) A fine example of mission architecture. Volunteers perform living history demonstrations. The garden possesses one of the finest collections of early California flora in the state.
Mission Santa Cruz (August 28, 1791) Nicknamed the “hard luck mission.” Troubled by Indian attacks, natural disasters, and proximity to the Branciforte pueblo, a community of ex-convicts. Eventually abandoned by the padres.
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (October 9, 1791) Isolated among rolling hills near the Salinas river. The church and part of the mission quadrangle have been restored.
Mission San Jose (June 11, 1797) Nothing remains of the original church, but a recent reconstruction accurately captures the atmosphere of its 1830’s prosperity.
Mission San Juan Bautista (June 24, 1797) A three aisle church, completely restored. The largest mission church in California. Frequently damaged by earthquake due to its unfortunate placement directly over the San Andreas fault.
Mission San Miguel Arcangel (July 25, 1797) Founded halfway between the San Luis Obispo and San Antonio missions to complete the coastal chain from San Luis Obispo to Mission Dolores in San Francisco. Ornate Native American church murals are the best preserved in California.
Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana (September 8, 1797) Located in the San Fernando valley north of Los Angeles. The convento is the largest free standing adobe in California.
Mission San Luis Rey de Francia (June 13, 1798) Known as the King of the Missions. The graceful cross shaped church seats 1000 and has been restored according to the original plans. The first and oldest pepper tree in California stands in the church garden.
Mission Santa Ines (September 17, 1804) Dedicated in 1804 by Father Estevan Tapis. Survived numerous earthquakes. Its beautiful garden still appears much as it did 200 years ago.
Mission San Rafael Arcangel (December 14, 1817) Located at the foot of Mt. Tamalpais, 20 miles north of San Francisco. Established as a sanitarium and hospital, later raised to mission status.
Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma (July 4, 1823) Founded by Father Jose Altimira. Famous site of the Bear Flag Revolt in 1846. Former Padre’s quarters houses a fine collection of California Missions paintings.
Here is the complete list of 21 Spanish Missions in California from south to north:
Here is the complete list of 21 Spanish Missions in California from north to south:
