The Spanish missions in California formed a series of 21 religious outposts or missions established between 1769 and 1833 in what is now the U.S. state of California. The missions were established by
A view of Mission San Juan Capistrano. At left is the façade of the first adobe church with its added espadaña; behind the campanario, or "bell wall" is the "Sacred Garden". The Mission has earned a reputation as the "Loveliest of the Franciscan Ruins".
Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, circa 1910. This mission is architecturally distinctive because of the strong Moorish lines exhibited.
The Missionaries as They Came and Went. Franciscans of the California missions donned gray habits, in contrast to the brown that is typically worn today.
A drawing of Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo prepared by Captain George Vancouver depicts the grounds as they appeared in November 1792. From A Voyage of Discovery to the North Pacific Ocean and Round the World.
Mission San Diego de Alcalá
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Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá was the second Franciscan-founded mission in the Californias, a province of New Spain. Located in present-day San Diego, California, it was founded on July 16, 176
The church façade of Mission San Diego de Alcalá
Plaque of Mission San Diego de Alcala
Mission San Diego de Alcalá as it stood circa 1900. Note the missing Campanario, and the exposed church, which fell into disrepair.