San Juan Capistrano Mission

The missions of California founded along the coast from San Diego to Sonoma are a cultural treasure. Each mission is an open door to our state’s history. Their locations often developed into the State’s most important cities.

The missions are among the most popular tourist destinations in the state, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Mission San Juan Capistrano with its picturesque ruins, distinctive bell wall and beautiful landscaped grounds is one of the most popular missions. Known as the “Jewel of the California Missions”, it is a unique destination with historical structures, and gardens. It is one of the most picturesque sites in California.

The mission was founded in 1776, by Spanish Franciscans in what was know at the time in Alta California.

Today the Mission compound serves as a museum, with well laid out educational displays including a large diorama and restored Padre’s room. More than 500,000 visitors come to the Mission San Juan Capistrano each year.

In 1778, the first adobe chapel was blessed, it was replace by a larger 115-foot long chapel which is regarded as the oldest continuously used building in California.

The oldest chapel known as “Serra’s Chapel, built in 1782 has the distinction of being where Father Junipero Serra celebrated Mass in person. It is know as the only remaining church where Serra is know to have officiated.

The Chapel’s beautiful altar, made of cherry wood and covered in gold leaf is from Barcelona, Spain. A side chapel is dedicated to St. Peregrine, patron saint of cancer suffers.

Today the Serra Chapel serves as chapel for the mission Parish. The chapel, living quarters, kitchens, workshops, storerooms, soldiers barracks and a number of other buildings make up the center of the complex.

The first vineyard in California was located on the Mission’s grounds. The Criolla or “Mission grape” was first planted at San Juan Capistrano in 1779, and in 1783 both red and white wines and Brady produced in Ala California was from the Mission’s winery.

The Mission prospered more than 70 buildings were built to provide for staff and housing for Mission Indians. With a growing population the Mission set out to build a European - style cathedral-size church. Rather than mud bricks the construction would be modeled on Byzantine cathedrals, using stone and incorporate a domed roof structure.

Construction began in 1797. Sandstone was quarried and transported to the site by oxen carts. The building took the effort of the entire Mission population. The church was finally completed in 1806 and blessed on September 7th with a two day fiesta.

On the morning of December 8th 1812, a series of earthquakes shook the area during Sunday service. A 7.5 earthquake slammed the Mission shaking the building until the Bell tower and nave collapsed. Under the rubble more than forty native worshippers lost their lives.


The Mission’s Kitchens and bakeries prepared and served meals for hundreds each day. Candles, soap, grease and ointments were all made from tallow, rendered animal fat in large vats located just outside the west wing. The vats were used to dye wool and tanning leather.

With Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1821, the Missions increasingly faced challenges. Disease, floods, and droughts took their toll as well, the Mission’s disillusioned Indians began to fade away. Without maintenance the Mission began to deteriorate. In 1862 a smallpox epidemic swept through the area and nearly wiped out the remaining missions Indians still in residents.

The Missions entered a long period of decline after the Mexican government secularized the missions in 1833. It wasn’t until the 20th century until restoration efforts to the grounds brought the Mission to its former state.

The Bell Wall contains four original bells from the Great Stone Church has become an icon of the mission era.

Audio tours available in a number of languages can enhance your visit guiding you with the fascinating history of the Mission. A sense of appreciation for history and the beautiful architecture of the Mission’s grounds greet you as you walk along the ruins.

The Mission at San Juan Capistrano and the captivating ruins of The Great Stone Church is definitely a destination worth the effort.