A Brief History of Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic site located in Orange County, California. The mission was founded in 1776 by Spanish Catholic priests and was the seventh of 21 missions established in California. It is well-known as the “Jewel of the Missions” and is a popular tourist destination.
The first thing you notice when you approach Mission San Juan Capistrano is its beautiful architecture. The mission was built using materials that were readily available at the time, including adobe bricks, wood, and stone. The result is a stunning example of Spanish Colonial architecture.
The mission was named for Saint John of Capistran, who was a 15th century Italian friar. It was founded on September 8, 1776 by Father Serra and a group of Padres. The original purpose of the mission was to Christianize the local Juaneño tribe and to serve as a waystation for travelers going between Mexico and Monterey.
Mission San Juan Capistrano became famous in 1833 when its large stone church collapsed due to an earthquake. The church had been constructed without any foundation, which made it susceptible to earthquakes. The ruined church became known as “Serra’s Church” and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions at the mission.
Included on the grounds of Mission San Juan Capistrano are a cemetery, a museum, and a gift shop. The cemetery contains the remains of many of the original inhabitants of the mission, both Native American and European. The museum houses artifacts from the mission’s history, including tools, furniture, and pottery. The gift shop sells books, jewelry, and other souvenirs.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is a beautiful historical site that is definitely worth a visit if you are ever in Orange County, California. Its interesting architecture and rich history make it one of the most unique missions out of all 21 that were established in California. So whether you are a history buff or just looking for somewhere beautiful to spend an afternoon, be sure to add Mission San Juan Capistrano to your list!