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California Missions in Monterey County

Written by Scenic Monterey | 26 June 2010
Posted in Missions of Monterey County - General Information

The history of Monterey County is deeply tied to the history of California's missions. Monterey County is home to three of California's 21 missions, and two of the first three missions. Within these beautiful buildings you can hear echoes of a history that dates back before the founding of the United States.

The second Spanish mission ever founded in California, the Mission San Carlos Borromeo, was established in 1770 in Monterey, just steps from what is now El Estero Park, and was moved to Carmel the following year. Jolon's San Antonio Mission, third established and widely considered the most successful, was founded in 1771. In 1791, Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad was established; the town surrounding it, Soledad, took its name from the mission.

Franciscan Padre Junípero Serra, who established the second and third California missions, is interred at the Basilica Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo in Carmel.

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Carmel Mission

Written by Scenic Monterey | 26 June 2010
Posted in Missions of Monterey County - Carmel Mission

The Basilica of San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission (Carmel Mission) was founded by Fr. Junipero Serra in 1770, making it the second of the 21 California missions. Though San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission was founded in Monterey, it was quickly decided that Carmel-by-the-Sea was a more appropriate location for its purpose. The fledgling establishment was moved to the Rio Road site in 1771 and the Carmel Mission was dedicated in 1797. Fr. Serra was buried within its grounds.

San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission

San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission is considered the most authentically restored Franciscan mission, and despite its many events and services, the Carmel Mission's courtyard and gardens are peaceful places to meditate or rest. Self-guided and docent-led tours are available; see the Carmel Mission website for more information. Admission to the grounds and mission is $6.50 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children, and children under 6 are admitted for free. All funds go to mission restoration projects.

Mission San Carlos Museum

Carmel Mission also has four museum galleries that give insight into the history of both the Monterey Peninsula and all of the California Missions. The Harry Downie Museum shows the history of the Carmel Mission's restoration. Mission San Carlos Borromeo's Munras Family Heritage Museum gives the history of one prominent area family, showing how their history intertwines with the history of the Peninsula. The Jo Mora Chapel Gallery has ever-changing art exhibits, but its centerpiece is the Mora-sculpted Serra Memorial Centotaph. The Convento Museum shows visitors what Mission San Carlos Borromeo was like during different eras through interpretive displays, and allows them to see the cell where Junipero Serra lived and died.

Entrance donations ($6.50 adult, $4 senior, $2 child) go to the restoration of the mission. The Carmel Mission's museum is open Monday through Saturday 9:30am-5pm and Sundays, 10:30am-5pm.

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