California Missions – San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Founded: September 1, 1772 – 5th of the California Missions
Named For: St. Louis, Bishop of Toulouse, France, a 14th century Franciscan
Also Called: Mission San Luis Obispo
Mission Site: Located in a spacious valley along the central coast which the Spanish named “La Cañada de los Osos” (Valley of the Bears) when they discovered many grizzlies there. Unlike many of the missions which we re-situated over time, San Luis Ob?spo stands on its original site.
Layout: Traditional quadrangle
Mission Church: The San Luis Ob?spo church was built in 1792-94. The prominent numbers inscribed on the church facade refer to the year the mission was founded in 1772. The vestibule was added in 1820. The former convento (which now contains a museum and gift shop) has a distinctive front colonnade of eleven round columns set on square pedestals.
Special Attraction: The mission has an excellent museum with a special room that focuses on the Chumash Indians. The adjacent plaza is a popular site for community events. A stream runs through the area.
Current Status: Central parish church for city of San Luis Obispo.
