Mission Santa Barbara

Mission Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful in California and was established in 1786. Today the church and gardens are one of Santa Barbara's most visited attractions. Visitors can take self-guided tours daily 9am-5pm. Docent tours for schools and other groups are arranged by appointment. The tours are $4.00 for adults and begin in the gift shop. Of all the California missions, only the chapel at Mission Santa Barbara has two matching bell towers. Found on the surrounding grounds are the ruins of the original water system including including aqueducts and reservoirs. With it's extensive gardens, historical charm and ideal Santa Barbara location a trip to the mission makes a perfect Southern California day trip. Mission Santa Barbara's name comes from the legend of Saint Barbara, a girl who was supposedly beheaded by her father for following the Christian Faith. The early missionaries built three different chapels during the first few years, each larger than the previous one. It was only after the great Santa Barbara Earthquake on December 21, 1812, which destroyed the existing buildings, that the construction on the current Mission was begun. The current mission was completed and then dedicated in 1820. The towers were considerably damaged in the June 29, 1925 earthquake, but were rebuilt in 1927. The appearance of the inside of the church has not been altered significantly since 1820.

Mission Santa Barbara

State Historic Landmark Plaque: "Santa Barbara Mission was founded December 4, 1786. Portions of five units of its extensive water works, built by Indian labor, are preserved in this park, a filter house, Spanish grist mill, sections of aqueducts, and two reservoirs. The larger reservoir, built in 1806, is used today as part of the city water system. Ruins of the pottery kiln and tanning vats are here, also. The fountain and lavadero are nearby in front of the Old Mission. A dam, built in 1807, is located in the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, one and one-half miles up Mission Canyon." Santa Barbara Mission 2201 Laguna Street Santa Barbara, CA 93105

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