El Camino Real, “The Royal Highway”, is a 600-mile route connecting all the 21 missions. It roughly follows Highway 101 but no mission is located right next to the highway except for one – Mission San Miguel.
The Mission is known as “The Mission on the Highway”. Not the most flattering of nicknames, but apt. The Mission is located 10 miles north of Paso Robles right next to Highway 101. This is a wonderful Mission to explore and one of the most authentic.
The Mission has one of the best-preserved church interiors with amazing frescos painted on the walls. A statue of San Miguel is in the middle of the alter and above it is the all-seeing eye of god. You’ll need to be on your best behavior here.
Outside the church is a large courtyard with a number of plants and trees. There is a large stone fountain in the middle.
Click the images below to enlarge.
The Mission’s museum, which occupies a few rooms of the former convent, really shows its age. The old floor tiles are uneven, there are cracks in the walls and the plaster is chipping off. Not sure if this is intentional or due to a lack of funding.
The museum displays an old kitchen, mission era furniture, statues, paintings and other religious artifacts. The overall feel is one of realism. Everything’s a bit ragged here, but you feel like you are in a 200 year old building.
The Mission doesn’t have a bell tower, but there is a three-bell campanario near the back of the church.
Be sure to visit this impressive Mission. Like me, you’ll probably have the place to yourself.
Alta California Missions 