Santa Barbara Mission, Santa Barbara

Mission Santa Barbara is a Spanish style building built originally in 1786 and rebuilt and restored to it's present state. It was a Franciscan Order of Friars that oversaw the project of building in 1784 with Father Junipero Serra heading up the taskmasters over the local Chumash Indians who did most of the building.

Today, as a reminder to the path of the padres in California history, the Mission is groomed for display of the relics of the past. Across the street is over 1000 rose bushes in a parkland setting. Perhaps this rose garden was groomed as an offering to the Chumash for the labor they preformed for the padres. I would like to believe that to be the case.

The outside fountain and the structure of the Mission is a thing of beauty. Time to take the camera out for that, moment in time, snap-shot.

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The Santa Barbara Mission is the town's star historical attraction dating back to the late 1700s though various calamities make the present structure more truly from the early 1900s. No matter, the beautiful home to the Spanish Franciscans looks very much Old World and it's peaceful green setting makes for an even more impressive sight and place for contemplation. Tours of the interior are $4 but the grounds around it are free and perhaps its greatest asset, particularly the rose gardens.

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Santa Barbara Mission has seen the test of time. Starting out with the good intentions of Christianizing the local natives, its past reflects how politics always seem to get involved eventually. The mission at one time was confiscated by the Governor in 1846, but was returned to the Catholic Church in 1865 by President Abraham Lincoln.

Being the tenth mission founded in 1786 by the Spanish Franciscans, Padre Antonio Paterna established the first of many buildings that would follow over the years. Like most California historical facilities they have experience either minimal or extreme damage due to earthquakes or fires. This mission was not spared the turmoil of earthquakes in 1812 and once again in 1925. Fortunately restoration included reinforcing much of the structure. The mission introduced religion of course and agriculture to the Chumash Indians. Soon the mission boasted a whole slew of different live stock and produce. They taught the Indians how to produce garments, shoes, tiles, and other trades such as carpentry and farmers.

The church still holds services and is still part of Santa Barbara locals and a reminder of their not so simple beginnings.

You can take a self guided tour from 9am-5pm. Tours are $4.00 for adults and start at the gift shop.

Fountain was built in 1808.

California State Historical Landmark #309

Street painting, using chalk as the medium, is an Italian tradition dating to the 16th century. The Madonna was the most reproduced artwork. In Italy, the tradition lives on in the village of Grazie di Curtatone.

If you happen to be in town don't miss the I Modonnari. On the plaza of the old Santa Barbara Mission "I Madonnari" Italian Street Painting Festival takes place every year in May.

Live music, an authentic Italian market, a choice of Italian cuisine and crafts are on sale.

An annual event it is free to the public

Mission Santa Barbara is considered the Queen of the Missions of all the missions in California. This large mission is definitely one of the more popular attractions of Santa Barbara. It was founded in 1786 by Father Junipero Serra. The exterior of the mission is pretty beautiful and ancient. The mission still serves as a church for many. It is located north of the downtown area. There are a lot of parking spaces outside of the mission so don't worry about parking difficulties.

This beautiful church was founded in 1786, is was the tenth of 21 Franciscan missions in California.
From the perspective of the mission you can see how it has changed from a Chumash land to a Spanish land and finally to an American state.
In the mission you will be able to enjoy great quantity of pieces that were constructed by the Indians, pieces of very much cultural value and very interesting to see.
The Mission still functions as a church.

Tours are available daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and it costs 4 dollars.

The mission in Santa Barbara was founded in 1786 by Fransiscan monks. It is one of the 21 Spanish missions in Southern California, and arguable the most beautiful and best preserved (it's called the "Queen of the Missions"). Who said Americans don't have a history?

Inside the mission...

You can visit the mission - well worth it!

There's a small museum with information about the early days of the Mission and Santa Barbara, you can also visit the church and parts of the garden.

The tenth California mission founded in 1786. A history of building and re-building after numerous calamities. Earthquake in 1812. Tower toppled in 1832. Another earthquake in 1925. But today the mission stands as both a monument to the Spanish roots of California history and as a working church where services are held each day.

Some people dig this sort of thing. And as far as missions go, it is well-preserved and nice, with beautiful rose gardens and a park that people hang out in, worship the sun (oooops, is that blasphemy?) or throw Frisbee.

I am just not big on paying money to see a church that enslaved the local indigenous people, forced hard labor on them, made them convert to Christinanity or else be killed. And if any Chumash, the local Native American Tribe, tried to escape, they were hunted down with dogs and either mauled or shot. It kind of makes me sick.

And what? They were supposed to be “saved” hmmm… if harboring Nazi’s wasn’t bad enough. Anyhow, this is not the place to have those discussions.