Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano is the seventh in California's chain of missions and was founded (for the second time) on November 1, 1776 by the Franciscan Order. It produced the first wine in Alta California in 1783, was virtually leveled by an earthquake in 1812, and is probably best known for the annual "Return of the Swallows" festival, which is observed every March 19th. Today the mission serves as an impressive museum and welcomes thousands of visitors every year to explore its well-manicured grounds.

 The El Camino Trail bell...

Doors and windows...

 A water lily in the fountain...

 The fountain in the courtyard...

 The courtyard gardens...

Covered walkways leading to the various mission rooms...

Entry to the Sacred Garden with the bell wall...

 Father Serra's chapel... 

 

 The bell tower of Serra Chapel...

The domes of the newer Mission Basilica...

 The four-bell campanario was erected a year after the bell tower at the Great Stone Church  

was toppled in the 1812 earthquake...    

 The ruins of the Great Stone Church...

 

 Forty people were killed in the collapse of the church...

Remnant of one of the walls...

Two of the original bells from the Great Church bell tower...

Because of its beautiful gardens and location, Mission San Juan Capistrano is often referred to as the "Jewel of the Missions." It's very popular with fourth grade students who visit it on field trips, so don't be surprised if you find yourself sharing the place with lots of energetic boys and girls.

The town of San Juan Capistrano is just a short drive from Dana Point on the coast. If you're in that area, it's worth it to take the time to stop by and check it out. Afterwards be sure to stroll around the historic district of the town; it's delightful too. That's one more mission I can now cross off my bucket list!