California Missions – San Juan Capistrano
Founded: November 1, 1776 – The Seventh of the California Missions
Special Designation: Pride of the Missions
Named For: St. John of Capistrano, a 14th century theologian
Mission Site: Located within sight of the ocean in the town of San Juan Capistrano, which developed around the mission.
Layout: Traditional quadrangle
Mission Church: In 1778, two years after the mission was moved to the present site, a small adobe chapel was built, and soon replaced by the Serra Chapel in 1782. This is the only remaining church in which Fr. Serra held mass. In order to accommodate the mission’s growing population, the Great Stone Church was constructed between 1797 – 1806. This cathedral-like building was 180 feet long by 40 feet wide, and had a high-vaulted ceiling surmounted by seven domes fronted by a 120 foot tall bell tower. In December, 1812 a massive earthquake destroyed the Great Stone Church, killing 40 neophytes.
Special Attraction: San Juan Capistrano, with its beautifully landscaped grounds and with the ruins of the
Great Stone Church and adjacent bell wall, is one of the most picturesque sites in California.
Current Status: The Mission San Juan Capistrano Basilica (a large modern church) and the Serra Chapel are part of the Catholic Parish of San Juan Capistrano.
