Mission San Buenaventura, Ventura

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It was on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1782, that Father Serra founded the mission, San Buenaventura, which proved to be the last he established personally. San Buenaventura is 9th out of the 21 missions established in California.

In 1812 a large earthquake struck the area and a tsunami rolled down the Santa Barbara channel and the waves reached the steps of the mission.

Two huge Norfolk Island pines in the garden between the church and little museum are 100 years old, reputedly planted by a sailing captain who hoped to grow a forest for use as masts. Every year at Christmas time the trees are lit up in a dazzling display of lights.

In the museum are two old wooden bells, the only ones of their type known in California.

The mission is an active Catholic Church replete with Latin mass.

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At the Ventura mission on E. Main st, you can take in the elaborate beauty and serenity of the mission's gardens. in dead center sits a lovely little circular fountain. It is a quiet area to hang out if you just want an area to be able to unwind from the day and maybe do a little reading or studying. If you like a little bit more open-ness and fresh air to go along with your tranquil scene, there are 2 large community fountains right across the street, where you can hang out for a little r & r at your own leisure.

Side effects of visiting here may include:
calmness, increased sense of spirituality, time distortion, and sense of feeling alive.
enter at your own desire!

This beautiful building, right in downtown Ventura, is still a working church. In fact, it hosted a wedding during our visit. No we weren't invited...a good thing considering how we were dressed!

It's such a joy that the Mission is still operational. To hear the churchbells chiming from this historic structure, especially signifying such a happy occasion, is quite a joy.

We weren't able to go inside because of the wedding. It's right in downtown Ventura-you can't miss it. Nor would you want to.

This is the local mission which the Spanish founded and which, as usual, gave the town its name. Founded in 1782, it was the 9th mission and the last which Junipero Serra himself founded. The present building, although modified and renovated over the years, was built between 1792 and 1809. However, the rest of the mission's compound was torn down or fell apart.

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Here is another classic Spanish mission. It was founded by Father Junipero Serra on Easter 1782. Dedicated to St. Bonaventure, It was the last mission that Serra founded personally.