Pictorial Fieldtrip
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Street View of the Mission
Click to expand picture.
Central Courtyard
Click to expand picture.
The fountain is of Moorish design and called the "Fountain of Four Evangelists". The central courtyard was the area of great activity during the mission's history.
Sacred Garden and Bells
Click to expand picture.
These are the original bells that hung in the bell tower of the Great Stone Church. The bells called the community together for meals, religious services, work, and recreation.
Statue of Father Serra and Indian Boy near the campanario of four bells.
Click to expand picture.
Father Junipero Serra of the Franciscan Order found the Mission San Juan Capistrano on November 1, 1776.
Great Stone Church
Click to expand picture.
Construction on the church began in 1797 with its dedication in 1806. During mass on the morning of December 8, 1812, an earthquake struck Mission San Juan Capistrano, walls crumbled and forty worshipers perished. What was once nicknamed the "Jewel of the Missions" would never be rebuilt. Today, scaffolding is erected around the existing walls as a temporary means to hold the walls until funds can be raised to save the ruins. Located down the street a new parish church was build in the likeness of the Great Stone Church.
Click to expand picture.
During recent restoration, Indian art pieces such as this one had been escavated and is on display near the Great Stone Church for the public to appreciate.
Mission Industrial Center
In the 1930's archeologist excavated this area of the mission grounds.
Click to expand picture.
Adobe bricks needed to be made for the walls of the mission.
Click to expand picture.
Tallow ovens rendered animal fat into tallow that was used for soap and candles. Metal furnaces were used turning iron into locks, tools, hardware, and other equipment.
Click to epand picture.
An outside kitchen was escavated where Mission Indians prepared meals.
St. Francis Garden
Click to expand picture.
Bouganivilla vines climb the walls of the industrial area.This site was once used as a hospital or infirmary where the sick was ministered.
West Wing (rebuilt 1870-74)
Click to expand picture.
Period Rooms - Museum
Click to expand picture.
Dining Room.
Click to expand picture.
Indian pottery on display in museum rooms.
Click to expand picture.
Historical picture of San Juan Capistrano.
Serra Chapel
Click to expand picture.
The Serra Chapel is recognized as the oldest building in California, built in 1778. It is one of two remaining Mission Churches where Father Serra conducted services. In the 1920's it was restored by Father O'Sullivan.
Click to expand picture.
The baroque altar was brought from Barcelona, Spain, and is made of cherry wood with a gold leaf overlay. The altar not original to San Juan Capistrano s estimated to be over 300 years old. It was intended for a cathedrawl in Los Angeles, later installed in the Serra Chapel in 1924.
Click to expand picture.
The side chapel is dedicated to St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer sufferers.
Click to expand picture
The original old stone baptismal font that escaped destruction from the collapsing stone church, December 1812..
Sacristy
Click to expand picture.
Mission Aqueduct System
Click to expand picture.
Native American Display
Click to expand picture.
Structures display of Juanenos huts
Click to expand picture.
Father Serra with Native American.
The present:
Since its establishing in 1776, the old Mission has been battered by every elemental hazard found in Southern California. It has been ravaged by time, decay, and neglect. Being over 200 years old, the Mission is suffering from fallen arches, collapsing walls, and crumbling away of its proud historical face.
The mission is a non-profit historic site but it receives no sustaining support from any governmental agency, nor from any religious organization. It relies entirely on admission fees, donations, and memberships for its maintenance and preservation. Tax deduction donations can be made to the Mission Preservation Fund, P.O. Box 697, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693.
Return to Mission San Juan Capristrano Homepage