Mission San Juan Bautista (1797) — Attraction in San Juan Bautista

Mission San Juan Bautista (originally 'La Mision del Glorios Precursor de Jesu Cristo, Nuestro Senor San Juan Bautista') was founded by Father Fermin Lasuen in 1797. It was the 15th mission founded along CA's Camino Real. Unknown at that time was the unfortunate fact that Mission San Juan Batista was placed directly alongside the San Andreas Fault line.

The Mission was located to be halfway between Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Carmelo (2nd mission) and Mission Santa Cruz (12th mission). This site was selected because of its rich, fertile valley which also contained the settlement of the local Mutsun (Ohlone tribe). Nearby central valley Yokuts also became neophytes (converts), choosing to live at Mission San Juan Bautista.

By 1803, the neophyte population was recorded at 1,306 individuals. The Mission raised cattle, horses, sheep, pigs and mules; it grew wheat, barley and corn.

The original small Mission adobe church with a thatched roof was built in 1797-1798. After damage from an earthquake, construction of a larger chapel began in 1803. Plans changed in 1808 to include 3 naives (aisles), becaming the widest chapel along the Camino Real. It was completed in 1812. After a series of earthquakes, though, it was decided that the outer aisles were to be filled.

Interior construction continued until 1817 with the completion of its alter and chapel floor tiles. Interior painting (Thomas Doak) was finished in 1820. Notably, the Mission did not include a bell tower (added in a 1976 restoration); originally, it used a wooden bell rack.

Mexico revolted against Spain in 1821, winning independence. The Secularization Act of 1833 took control of mission lands. In 1834, Mission San Juan Bautista was secularized, then located in the town of San Juan de Castro. The town's alcalde (magistrate) Jose Castro auctioned off mission lands. Key in the overthrow of CA's governors in 1836 and 1844, Jose Castro was appointed the Comandante General of California. The US Army took control of California in 1846 after the Mexican-American War.

Mission San Juan Bautista was returned to the Catholic Church in 1865 by President Buchanan. Unique is the fact that it has the only unbroken succession of priests since its founding in 1797. The current chapel has had an active parish since construction in 1812.

The 1906 violent San Francisco earthquake caused the walls of Mission San Juan Bautista's chapel to collapse. Restoration was finally completed in 1976, at which time the original 3 naives were returned, and the current bell tower was added.

If on a mission quest visiting any of CA's missions, Mission San Juan Bautista should be on your list. The church is unique in that it was the only Mission built with three aisles, making it the largest on the Camino Real. The original tiles still cover the floor where one can find wild animal tracks left during the drying process. And this mission sits alongside the San Andreas Fault where you can view a steep drop in elevation, just feet away from its chapel. The Mission also sits adjacent to a fantastic historical CA State Park. There is much to do...

Mission San Juan Bautista is steeped in California's history. About an hour and a half south of San Francisco, it's a different time and place, preserving a lot of the lifestyle of the time. The mission itself is still a working church, with mass and a congregation. There is a museum attached to the mission that has a lot of interesting religious artifacts from the mission's founding. There's also a fantastic view of acres and acres of farmland, just as there would have been during the mission's infancy.

Outside the mission is a huge courtyard, with the Plaza Hall and Plaza Stables opposite. Next to these is the Vicky House, which belonged to the daughter of one of California's leading pioneer families, the Zanetta family. I did not get a chance to visit these, but they are open for tours.

Across the street is the Plaza Hotel, founded in 1856 and owned by the Zanettas. The sidewalk around the Plaza hotel is wooden, as it was 150 years ago. There are still posts and railings to hitch your horse to. The hotel has been turned into a museum that you can tour. Each room has an exhibit with clothing, furniture & artifacts from the era.

Out back is the courtyard, leading to an orchard that still has fruit trees and cacti. Adjacent is another courtyard with a gristmill that still has the yoke for an ox and a horno for baking.

The town of San Juan Bautista has a number of storefronts that are also around 150 years old, that are still functional with food, souvenir or antique stores.

The town and mission are well worth a day or overnight visit to see a small slice of...

Lovely place for a stroll. Museum is interesting, garden needs a little work. The mission is bordered by state park museums. There is a gift shop. This is the only mission on the mission trail that has been in continuous use since its founding. It's absolutely fascinating to see the way it was built and the museum is really good. From very old letters, illuminated text, Bibles, implements, robes, a full display kitchen, fireplaces, etc. a lot can be learned about early life in this valley. This is well worth the stop and the small admission price. The church is still in use and a favorite place for local weddings. It's a gorgeous sanctuary and holds daily Mass every morning as well as Mass on Saturday and Sunday. The mission borders a large plaza that is perfect for a picnic. There is a lovely rose garden with good statue of St John the Baptist (San Juan Bautista) Bordering the plaza is an original fully furnished 1800's home, stable ( gorgeous carriage collection) hotel, and bar ( just for looking) run by the state park. There is also a gift shop. You can buy a joint admission to tour all of them or buy separate tickets. Again, well worth the admission. The furnishings are original. The carriages, livery, and implements are amazing. The first Saturday of each month local craftsmen have a blacksmithing display. The downtown area is only a couple blocks away with a great are community, shops, galleries, bakeries, and restaurants. If this review was helpful please hit...