Mission San Antonio de Padua, the “Mission of the Sierras”, is located below the Santa Lucia Mountains near the town of Jolon. Unusual in that it is located right next to a military base but there is a separate access road that takes you to the Mission.
Unlike Mission San Miguel to the south, Mission San Antonio is off the beaten path and over 20 miles from Highway 101. But don’t let that stop you from visiting. The Mission and its pastoral setting are picturesque and definitely worth the drive.
Fun facts: This is one of the earliest missions in the chain (#3) and in 1776 Juan Bautista de Anza visited the Mission with a group of 240 settlers on his way north. In addition, the first Christian wedding in Alta California took place here.
The church is simple but beautiful. You first notice the striking blue arch with white stars above the communion rail. Beautiful frescos accent the walls and contrast nicely with the unpainted plank ceiling. Click the images below to enlarge.
Don’t miss the large museum which occupies a number of rooms in the former convent. There is much to see including a Mission model, and rooms featuring looms and textiles, blacksmithing, candle making, religious artifacts and vestments and more.
There is also a very fine mural of Salinan Indians living life before the Spanish occupation. There are scenes depicting tule huts and boats, women crushing acorns, men returning from the hunt, children playing, etc.
The cloister and courtyard are perfect with winding paths, roses and other plantings, a grape trellis and a stone fountain in the middle. All in all, one of the best experiences I’ve had at a California Mission. It’s one of my favorites and a must see!
Alta California Missions 