Mission San Gabriel Arcángel — Attraction in San Gabriel

Mission San Gabriel Arcangel (Messenger of God) was founded in 1771, the 4th mission founded under the direction of Fr Junipero Serra, following his establishment of Mission San Diego (1st), Mission San Carlos in Carmel (2nd), and Mission San Antonio in the Valley of the Oaks (3rd).

The site was selected to be near the Rio de los Tremblores (now the Santa Ana River), named by earlier Spanish explorers who had experienced earthquakes in the area. It was a devastating flood in 1776, however, that forced Mission San Gabriel to be moved to its current location, closer to the mountains, 5 miles away from the flood plain.

The original mission site is located near the intersection of San Gabriel Blvd and Lincoln Ave.

Made of stone (lower walls) and brick (upper walls), the completion of the current Mission San Gabriel took 14 years. It was designed in a Moorish style based on a Cordova cathedral in Spain. Its tall, narrow windows and buttresses are unique as compared to all other Camino Real missions.

Earthquakes have damaged the Mission over time. The catastrophic earthquake of 1812 that damaged many missions in the area also destroyed Mission San Gabriel's three-bell campanario and some outer buildings. Reconstruction of the mission at that time replaced it with the current six-bell tower. Extensive earthquake damage also occurred in 1987 and 1994 with subsequent repairs.

Most notable at Mission San Gabriel (besides its unique design) is the 300+ year old painting 'Our Lady of Sorrows' which still hangs within the mission, next to the high alter. It is told that when the local Tongvas natives tried to drive away the Spanish missionaries, when this painting was displayed, the Tongvas immediately made peace because of the painting's beauty.

Mission San Gabriel Arcangel, like all other Alta California missions, was abandoned after secularization in 1834 and fell into ruins. Here, though, a functioning parish church occurred between 1864-1908 with the missionaries doing significant restoration and rebuilding. Often referred to as fortress-like, much here is reflective of the original mission. It is definitely...

Out of the 21 Spanish missions in California, San Gabriel Arcángel is the fourth and is located south of Pasadena. Founded in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra, it is the closest to LA, where my partner and I came this Saturday afternoon. Upon arrival, there is a large parking lot that can fit hundreds of cars and buses. Entered through the gift shop, we paid for admission to the self-guided tour of the grounds and church. The layout is well organized, with plaques that can be viewed in an orderly sequence. The chapel is the star of the show and the oldest building south of Monterey. The pulpit is original, and the altar was brought from Mexico in the 1790s. Mass is still celebrated here. One of the distinct features of this mission is the bell wall at its side, which faces Mission Road. The facade is very simple and modest, and the oldest bells were cast in 1795. There is also a good museum behind the mission wall that does a good job of explaining the California missions and thoroughly integrating the experiences of Native Americans. One could easily spend a couple hours here and come away with a new appreciation for the role of missions in the development of the state, for which we can...

The mission is beautiful out of this world beyond words. The chaple is gorgeous and beautiful. The property is well kept up and clean. If you have questions about anything the front desk people are very good about helping you out. In very good location. Easy to find parking. The staff is very friendly and helpful very good custmer service. The amission is very reasonable. This is the place to bring your family or your firsr date for a day of fun or just to get a piece of mind or if you wanted quite time to youeslf you will get it here bring your lunch. This has good history and education for your children. They have alot to see their. It will take you 2 hour to walk around to see everything. On your way out go through their unique gift store theirs alot to see and very good prices.They hav everything for everyone. This is a breathtaking place to get married, beautiful backgrounds pictures for your special day. Even yet a breathtaking view of the San Gabriel mountains. I left very happy and will return again soon. They have a beautyful cemetery next store to the mission. When your done seeing the mission theirs alot of restaurants and shopping in the area. Make the best...