California Missions – Santa Bárbara
Founded: December 4, 1786 – The Tenth of the California Missions
Special Designation: Queen of the Missions
Named For: Saint Barbara, a legendary martyred church figure of the 3rd century.
Mission Site: In the city of Santa Barbara on a hill commanding a striking view of the sea.
Layout: Santa Barbara was laid out in the traditional quadrangle, with separate granaries, a weavery with patio, tannery, and neophyte housing forming additional courtyard-oriented squares. Many of the exisiting buildings at the rear of the mission complex, however, were created to meet the needs of the seminary, established in the 20th century. Most of the new construction follows the foundations of the old quadrangle.
Mission Church: The church was completed in 1820 with one tower. The second tower was added in 1831, collapsed within two years, and was rebuilt in 1833. The Neoclassic facade was inspired by a mission archives copy of the Spanish edition of The Six Books of Architecture by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio. a Roman architect of 1st century B.C.
Special Attraction: The beautiful Moorish fountain located in front of the monastery wing, to the left of the church, was sculpted by mason and carpenter José Antonio Ramírez in 1808.
Current Status: Active Roman Catholic Church owned and operated by the Franciscans.
