california missions mission san juan capistrano
DESCRIPTION
Founded in 1798, Old Mission San Luis Rey, known as the King of the Missions, is a National Historic Landmark. The largest of all the 21 California Missions http://www.sanluisrey.org/TRANSCRIPT
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California Missions: Mission San Juan Capistrano
Ebook provided by Old Mission King of the Missions
The role the chain of the twenty California Missions played in the history of the US is common
knowledge. They contributed greatly towards the economic development, agriculture, trade and
commerce and architecture. Here is an overview of one among them, Mission San Juan Capistrano.
History
Mission San Juan Capistrano is known as the jewel of the Missions. The work of the Mission started in
November 1776. The site got its name from St. John of Capestrano in Italy known as a warrior priest. The
Mission was relocated from its earlier site due to lack of water. And, it is the seventh among the ones
Father Serrafounded. It was built to be self-reliant in all respects. The site featured living quarters for the
soldiers, Indians, and priests. There were also shops to buy the materials one needed. The Mission and
the church they built got destroyed in an earthquake in the year 1812. Nothing much was done to
rebuild the Mission and it started declining gradually. The Indians who lived there too left.
The efforts to preserve the Mission began in the year 1895.
Mission today
Mission San Juan Capistrano is located 75 miles towards the north of San Diegojust 3 miles away from
the Pacific Ocean. The site is the only existing Mission where Father Serra said the regular masses.
The church
The church here still remains in ruins. It is made of yellow sandstone and is 40 feet wide and 180 feet
long. Built in a cathedral-like model, it is one among the two Missions with this design. The construction
of the church was presided over by Isidor Aguilar, a renowned Mexican stone mason. The walls are of
varying thickness and the thickest area is 7 feet.
Attractions
Church is not the only attraction worth viewing here. The Zoomars Petting Zoo is a place no tourist can
afford to miss here. Enjoy some time here with your children; let them learn how to behave gently with
animals. Access here may require you to spend a bit. You will also need to pay extra for a ride on a pony
or enjoy other entertainments. The atmosphere here is more of a farm than a zoo. The Serra Chapel is
another monument you should ignore here at any cost. It is the only remaining original Mission church
today. The church got the name to honor Father Serra. And, the altar is more than 398 years old.
Conclusions
As you know, you can see the influence of California Missions in all spheres of life. Spending some time
here will help you get to know a glorious past of the nation.
If you are someone who loves to know the history of the nation, you will definitely visit California
Missions. And, your kids would definitely love the time spent here.