Mission San Juan Capistrano

Early photo circa 1880

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Founded in November 1, 1776. Nick named the "Jewel of the Missions". Named for Saint John of Capistran, Italy (Patron saint of jurists). Seventh in the California chain of Missions. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1812, parts were rebuilt in 1813. The only original structure is the chapel still standing today in which Father Serra officiated.




Mission bells	Beautifully decorated mission chapel

Father Serra statue	Quiet mission hallway

View of the mission fountian and court yard	Manmade nests ready for the returning swallows. The legendarily swallows return to the Mission on March 19th (St Joseph's Day).

Large furnace used to process tallow (animal fat) for soap, candles, grease for cooking, and trading.	Indian grinding rock, acorns and grains were a large part of the indian diet.