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!

Mission San Fernando, CA

Mission San Fernando was founded in 1797 in the Mission Hills district of LA near the site of the first gold discovery in Alta California. It's the 17th in the chain of Spanish outposts along El Camino Real. 

Last weekend we took a quick detour on our way home from Venice Beach to check it out. What a treasure it is. I've been to many of California's historic missions (my goal is to visit and photograph all of them) and this one really enchanted me. I think it was a combination of the brilliant blue skies, balmy southern California temperatures, and impeccably maintained grounds. 

It wasn't crowded at all and strolling around the compound was very peaceful and kept me and my Nikon busy. You do have to buy admission tickets in the gift shop to visit the museum and grounds, but it's well worth it. The museum contains excellent displays with great explanations and the map you get guides you through the gardens and explains many features of the mission complex. 

Welcome to Mission San Fernando...

 An exterior view of the Convento with its 21 Roman arches; now it houses the authentically refurbished rooms and is the largest remaining building of all the missions in California...

 The portico of the Convento...

A view of the interior of the Convento...

The workshops and the old Mission church...

The corridor of the Archival Center, which serves the Archdiocese of LA...

One of the six Piczek Tableaus, which portray the geographic history of the Archdiocese of LA...

 A view toward the Convento...

 Beautifully manicured gardens...

 The flower-shaped fountain in the East Garden...

 Believe it or not, Bob Hope is buried in the Bob Hope Memorial Garden on the mission grounds...

A Statue of Fray Fermin Francisco de Lasuen, founder of Mission San Fernando. 

He's buried at San Carolos Borromeo Mission, Carmel...

Thanks to a large gift of money in the 1940's by the Hearst Foundation, this particular mission and California historical landmark has been completely restored and is well cared for. Don't forget to visit it if you are zooming through the San Fernando Valley along Interstate 405. It's very easy to find, parking is plentiful, and a visit will hopefully calm your mind and spirit!

Mission San Miguel Arcangel, CA

Mission San Miguel Arcangel was founded on June 25, 1797 by the Franciscans and is the sixteenth mission. On December 22, 2003 the area was struck by a 6.5 magnitude earthquake, which did quite a lot of damage to the existing buildings, so it was closed to the public for six years. Luckily enough funds were raised to restore it to its current state. The church is very plain inside, and its appearance today is pretty much like when it was first built. There's a cemetery behind the church which holds the remains of 2,249 Native Americans. Mission San Miguel is noted in particular for its arcade, a series of twelve lovely arches. 

                            

So, I now checked off a few more items on my bucketlist. Be sure to visit these wonderful historic sites if you ever happen to take a trip along El Camino Real.