Santa Barbara Missions
History
Old Mission Santa Barbara was founded in 1786 by the Spanish Franciscans. Originally, there were three adobe churches constructed and each was bigger than the last. After the third church was destroyed by the 1812 earthquake, the present church was built in 1820. Today, the Old Mission is a standing monument that reflects California’s rich cultural diversity.
Santa Barbara County
La Purisima Mission
State Historic Park 2295 Purisima Rd Lompoc
(805) 733-3713 or website http://www.lapurisimamission.org
La Purisima Mission was the eleventh mission of the twenty-one Spanish Missions established in what became California, founded on December 8, 1787 by Franciscan Padre Presidente Fermin Francisco Lasuen. Visitors can enjoy a variety of buildings and quarters including a weaving room, leather shop, Padre’s chapel, and much more.
Mission Santa Barbara 2201 Laguna St Santa Barbara
(805) 682-4149 or website http://www.santabarbaramission.org
Mission Santa Barbara, founded on December 4th, 1786, was the tenth of 21 Franciscan missions in California. The Mission continues to be the chief cultural and historic landmark in the city of Santa Barbara. It still functions as a church today. Self-guided tours daily 9:00am to 5:00pm. Docent tours for schools and other groups are arranged by appointment. The tours are $4.00 for adults and begin in the gift shop.
Mission Santa Inés
1760 Mission Dr, Solvang
(805) 688-4815 or website http://www.missionsantaines.org
Today the mission is an active parish; it is beautiful inside and out. The grounds feature fountains, statues and gardens. The Danish town of Solvang was built up around the Mission Santa Ines in the early 1900’s. The restoration continues and the Capuchin Francescan Fathers take excellent care of the mission today. Gift shop.
San Luis Obispo County
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
751 Palm St San Luis Obispo
(805) 781-8220 or website http://www.missionsanluisobispo.org
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, founded in 1772, was the fifth mission established by Father Junipero Serra. A beautiful mission with detailed architecture and artwork. The grounds feature gardens, fountains, and mature shade trees. The parish serves 2,200 families of the San Luis Obispo and surrounding communities with a variety of ministries.
Mission San Miguel Arcangel
775 Mission St San Miguel
(805) 467-2131 or website http://www.missionsanmiguel.org
Founded on July 25, 1797 by Father Fermin Lasuen, Presidente of the California Missions Chain. The mission’s appearance is much the same as it was when founded. The inside of the mission has never been repainted. The pictures and the colors you see are the originals that were created and painted by Indian artesans under the direction of Esteban Munras. Today it is still a parish church. Mission San Miguel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971, in 2006 was designated a National Historic Landmark.