Mission Santa Barbara

Receiving more tourists than any other California mission, Mission Santa Barbara was established in 1786 — the 10th of 21 California missions founded by the Spanish Franciscans and Fr. Junipero Serra.

I'd heard that the Santa Barbara mission was something special, but it wasn't until I saw it in person that I fully appreciated its grandeur and beauty.

This Classical-styled historic landmark, inspired by Roman architect Vitruvius Pollio, has remained in constant use since its inception.

Dubbed the Queen of the Missions, Santa Barbara is one of the city's top attractions, drawing pilgrims and tourists from around the nation. Be sure to set aside at least a half-day to tour the sacred gardens, Neo-Classical Mission church, Missionary bedrooms and kitchen, which are furnished with period pieces from the early 1800s.

Santa Barbara Mission history dates back to Dec. 4, 1786, when Padre Fermin Francisco de Lasuen opened the building, two years after Padre Junipero Serra's death. Made from adobe, the original buildings were very frail. The Mission of Santa Barbara survived two earthquakes in 1812 and 1925, and several sections were rebuilt, including the front facade, in 1953.

During its early years, Mission Santa Barbara life was quiet and simple. The Franciscan priests taught local Chumash Indians the principles of agriculture until about 1868, when the Mission period ended. Some common crops included peas, corn, wheat and beans, in addition to oranges and olives. 

A few other Mission Santa Barbara facts:

• Karana, heroine of the book, "Island of the Blue Dolphins," is buried at the Mission Santa Barbara cemetery. Her real name was Juana Maria.

• The Santa Barbara Mission altar is decorated with abalone shells.

• The Mission Santa Barbara art, on display throughout the grounds, includes paintings and statues from Peru, Mexico and Spain.

• The Mission fountain, built in 1808, funneled water from Mission Creek. The Chumash Indians built a dam 2 miles away, which was fed to the Mission through an aquaduct.
  

For a glimpse at the Mission Santa Barbara floor plan, be sure to take part in one of their daily tours, offered 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Self-guided admission is $5 for adults, $4 seniors and $1 for children ages 5-15. Kids under 5 are free.

 The 90-minute Guided Mission Santa Barbara tours, led by knowledgeable docents, are a great way to learn more Mission Santa Barbara facts. They are offered at 11 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. Tours are $8 per person, and kids under 4 are free.

The Santa Barbara Mission also offers a 75-minute guided "Art and Architecture" tour by reservation. For tour reservations, call (805) 682-4713 ext. 166, or e-mail
museumtours@sboldmission.org

If you're planning a visit to Old Mission Santa Barbara, be sure to dress up in something nice — the gorgeous backdrops around the Mission are perfect for family portraits, or next year's Christmas card!

If you can, arrange your visit around Mission Santa Barbara Mass services. The Mission Church Santa Barbara begins service at 7:30 a.m. weekdays; 4 p.m. Saturdays and 7:30, 9, 10:30 and noon on Sundays. For more information about the Mission Santa Barbara Parish, click here.

The Mission Santa Barbara location is at 2201 Laguna Street in Santa Barbara. For a Mission Santa Barbara Map, click here. For more Santa Barbara Mission information, call 805-682-4713 or visit the Mission Web site at www.santabarbaramission.org