🕊️ Mission San Juan Capistrano
United States
About This Sacred Site
Mission San Juan Capistrano, founded in 1776 by Father Junípero Serra, is one of the most beautiful and historically significant of California's 21 missions. Known as the 'Jewel of the Missions,' it features the oldest building still in use in California — the Serra Chapel, where Father Serra celebrated Mass. The mission is famous worldwide for the annual return of the cliff swallows around St. Joseph's Day (March 19), a tradition celebrated since the 1930s. The ruins of the Great Stone Church, destroyed by an earthquake in 1812, remain an evocative reminder of the mission's grand ambitions.
Key Facts
- •Founded in 1776 by Father Junípero Serra, the 7th of 21 California missions
- •The Serra Chapel is the oldest building still in use in California
- •Famous for the annual return of cliff swallows around March 19 (St. Joseph's Day)
- •The Great Stone Church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1812, killing 40 worshippers
- •One of only two California missions where Father Serra personally celebrated Mass
Location
Coordinates: 33.5017, -117.6625
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