"The Jewel of the Missions" has been the center of Orange County since its founding by Padre Junipero Serra on November 1, 1776. Today it is one of California's most important historical, cultural, and educational centers. The Mission is the seventh of twenty-one Spanish Missions established in California by Franciscan Padres. Spain controlled California until 1821, when Mexico won its independence. In 1845, the Mission was sold for $710 to Don Juan Forster. His family lived at the Mission for twenty years. In 1865, Abraham Lincoln returned the Mission to the Catholic Church. In 1915, actress Mary Pickford was married in the Mission chapel.
Areas of interest within the Mission walls include the early adobe barracks, Friars' quarters, olive millstone, cemetery, aqueduct system, gardens, and the original Stone Church. The Church was completed in 1797 and partially destroyed by earthquake in 1806.
The Mission has embarked on a $20-million preservation campaign to protect the historical landmark. Temporary shoring and bracing of the stone church and stabilization of the Mission's adobe buildings have been completed. Mission San Juan Capistrano is a non-profit historic site supported solely by tourism and gifts. Those interested in assisting in the preservation of this timeless monument to Native American, Spanish, Mexican and American cultures can make their tax deductible donations payable to the Mission Preservation Fund, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693.
The Mission is located on Ortega Highway west of Interstate 5 and is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Mission is closed Thanksgiving and at noon on Christmas Eve, Christmas and Good Friday. The Mission grounds are available for private functions and corporate events. Guided tours of the Mission can also be arranged. Each Wednesday is Two For One Resident Discount Day for San Juan Capistrano residents showing their driver's license. A resident may enter and bring a guest for free. The Mission offers a free audio tour "Voices of the Mission" in English and Spanish and is the only mission in the state to do so. It offers the same tour as a free download to any mp3 player/iPod from the Mission Web site. For information, call 949-234-1300 or visit the Mission San Juan Capistrano Web site.
The Mission has events nearly every weekend from concerts under the stars, to garden shows, fashion shows, living history reenactments and more.
Help preseve the Mission by supporting the Art for Preservation Gallery.