The setting for this Mission is the old west – a time right after California’s admittance to the Union. It is adjacent to and blends right into San Juan Bautista State Historic Park with all of its well preserved buildings from the mid-1800s.
The Mission was founded in 1797 and placed right on the San Andreus fault. It was restored to its original condition in 1976. It is one of the few missions that was never abandoned and it continues to be an active parish church.
This is the largest mission church in the chain, and it is the only church with three aisles. Red and yellow frescos are painted on the columns and above the arches that separate the aisles.
An impressive statue of San Juan Bautista (John the Baptist) greeting the sunrise is in the gardens outside the front of the church.
Click on the photos below to enlarge.
The large garden is spectacular with a variety of plants and succulents. There are many roses and palms and a large hanging church bell.
San Juan Bautista State Historic Park includes four historic museums: the Plaza Hotel, the Zanetta House/Plaza Hall, the Plaza Stables, and the Castro-Breen Adobe. The interiors have period furnishings.
Fun facts: The Castro-Breen Adobe was occupied by Patrick Breen, a survivor of the ill-fated Donner Party.
Alfred Hitchcock filmed a scene from Vertigo here in 1957. Click on the photos below to enlarge.
Alta California Missions 