Located in Solvang, Mission Santa Inés is one of the later missions (#19) and dedicated in 1804, many years after Mission San Diego. It’s called the “Mission of the Passes” because you have to go over a pass to get to it on the El Camino Real.
The same 1812 earthquake that destroyed the great stone church in Mission San Juan Capistrano, also destroyed Mission Santa Inés. A new church with thicker walls and great pine beams was dedicated in 1817.
The stunning church has yellow and white fabric draped from the ceiling and floral patterns are painted on the walls throughout. The altar, with a statue of Santa Inés highlighted in the middle, has large green and white patterned tiles.
It’s one of the most beautiful churches in the mission chain. This is the back of the church showing the choir loft. Click on the images below to enlarge.
The small museum showcases mission paintings, maps, photographs, religious items, a model of the mission and Indian pottery and baskets.
The mission’s garden is beautiful and has stone paths with a fountain in the center. Plants and flowers grow along with hedges, palms, oaks, oleander, bougainvillea, etc.
The mission is located right next to the Danish themed town of Solvang full of windmills, pastry shops and half timbered architecture. It’s a bizarre juxtaposition with the old mission to say the least.
Alta California Missions 