The Mission Santa Barbara is a Spanish mission that was founded in the city of Santa Barbara, California. The mission was founded by Franciscan priests in 1786 and was named after Saint Barbara. The mission was built with the purpose of converting the local Chumash people to Christianity. The Spanish hoped that by teaching the native people how to live and behave like Spanish citizens, they would be better able to integrate into society and become productive members of the community

The Santa Barbara Presidio and Mission were both founded by Spain and played a significant role in Spain’s influence over early California. The Presidio was a military base established in 1769 that served as a keystone in Spanish territorial expansion, while the Mission was a religious settlement built in 1786 to spread Christianity throughout the region. Together, these two institutions helped to shape the course of California history.

Often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Missions, Santa Barbara Mission is a stunning example of Spanish colonial architecture. The beautiful grounds are home to stunning gardens, a museum, and a cemetery. Visitors can explore the buildings and learn about the rich history of this important California mission. On December 4, 1786, the feast day of Saint Barbara, the tenth mission in Alta California was founded. This would eventually become one of 21 missions in the area.

The Mission grounds settle in a picturesque rise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, providing stunning views in all directions. The buildings and gardens are meticulously maintained, and provide a tranquil oasis for contemplation and reflection. It is also one of only two missions that carried on under the guidance of Franciscan Friars. The other mission is San Luis Rey. Mission Santa Barbara is also a parish church of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Now that we know the history of Santa Barbara Mission, we will now explore some of the best things to do in the area. The mission is a great place to learn about the history of California and the early days of European settlement.

Stand beneath the gorgeous church facade

The Santa Barbara Mission is a beautiful church with a Greco-Roman facade. If you start in the front lawned area, you can peer up at the impressive church and see that it was inspired a handbook by Vitruvius Pollio, an ancient Roman architect. The walls of the church are also very thick, measuring six feet.

The church was built four times, with each having a larger mark. The first make was a glass-roofed log buidling. Work on a second started in 1784 with roof tiles and adobe bricks. The earthquakes of 1812 and 1925 led to the creation of the third and fourth version.

The Father Serra Statue and the moorish fountain

As you approach the entrance to the museum, you will notice a statue of Father Serra. Father Serra was a Franciscan friar who founded many of the missions in California. To one side of the Lavanderia, there is a moorish fountain that run into a large trough. The women would go to the fountain to collect water, which they would then use to wash their clothes. The aqueduct system was very complex, and the trough was just one small part of it.

The nine-room Museum with historic artifacts

The museum is composed of nine exhibit rooms which used to be living quarters. Just past the gift shop, visitors can explore these rooms and learn about the history of the people who used to live there. The exhibits provide information about the daily lives of the residents, as well as the unique challenges they faced. Through these exhibits, visitors can gain a greater understanding of the human experience and appreciation for different cultures.

The Chumash room showcases the tribe’s culture and art through various exhibits. A bedroom and kitchen are also reconstructed to give visitors an idea of what daily life was like at the mission. The chapel room contains a variety of artifacts, while the overview of mission trades outlines the different types of work that took place at the missions.

See the beautiful Mission church interior

As you enter the church at the Santa Barbara Mission, your eyes will be immediately drawn to the ornate altar with the crypt beneath it. It’s hard not to stare in awe at such a sight, and you can’t help but wonder about the history of this place.

The Mexican Art from the 18th Century is absolutely stunning, and features two of the biggest paintings out of the entire mission chain. These paintings are truly a sight to behold, and they offer a glimpse into the rich culture and history of Mexico.

Stroll around the Sacred Garden

Wander outside into the Sacred Garden and breathe in the fresh air. Take in the sights and sounds of nature as you stroll among the trees and flowers. Feel the warm sun on your skin and the cool breeze flowing through your hair. The church has a Spanish symbol above its door to indicate that there is a cemetery not far away.

The Santa Barbara Mission was home to many different cultures and tribes, who all provided to the local economy in various ways. The garden was one of the places where Indians learned trades, like weaving, leatherwork and pottery. These skills allowed them to generate income for the Santa Barbara Mission, which was vital for the mission’s survival.

The crypts at the Historic Cemetery

The bodies of the friars are buried in the mausoleums here, alongside the remains of some of the most notable Spanish settlers from generations past.

Here you can also see the mausoleum of the Covarrubias family. It is a large and impressive building, built in the traditional style of Mexican architecture. Covarrubias is best known for his work as a naturalist and explorer during the early years of the state’s history.

A great number of Chumash Indians are also buried here. The exact count of Chumash graves at the site is unknown, as many of the graves are unmarked.

Take a tour of the amazing Santa Barbara Mission library

The Santa Barbara Mission library is a historic landmark in the city of Santa Barbara. Founded in 1853, it is one of the oldest libraries in California. The mission library is known for its beautiful architecture and for its rich collection of historical documents. The library has served the Santa Barbara community for over 150 years, and it remains an important resource for residents today.

There are many things to see at the Santa Barbara Mission. In addition to the beautiful architecture and stunning artwork, there is also a rich history to explore. Visitors can learn about the early days of the mission, as well as its role in the development of California. There is also a great museum on site that offers a glimpse into the daily life of the people who lived at the mission.