California is earthquake country so the Santa Barbara Mission you see here is not the original. Founded in 1786 by Spanish Franciscans the mission still has an active parish. The original buildings, three in succession, were more modest. A major earthquake decimated the third in 1812. Its replacement was completed in 1927. The current building also got a major facelift in 1950. It’s referred to locally as the Queen of Missions.
The 10th mission built in California by the Franciscans its goal was to convert the Chumash to Christianity. There are still quite a few Santa Barbaran’s who can trace part of their heritage back to Chumash ancestors.
A California Historic Landmark the Santa Barbara Mission is open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Another architectural gem in Santa Barbara not too far from the mission is its municipal courthouse.
6 comments:
Hi Wendy
I gave your blog a mention in my latest post about planning my Rome trip.
If you can think of any useful tips for places we might enjoy, do leave a comment.
Best wishes
Heather
Hi Heather,
thank you for the mention. I have a few ideas in mind and will pass them along soon.
Hi Wendy,
Chichicastenango (what a name) looks quite colourful, but Santa Barbara is magnificent. I regret I missed the chance to get there in 1982, as we had to fly LA to SFO, rather than driving...
Thanks for your comments at Blogtrotter, where I'm still around Greek Isles.
Have a great weekend!
Gil
Hi Gil,
Much easier to call it Chi Chi.
Santa Barbara is one of those places you just can't find anything wrong with.
There's just something about Santa Barbara. Each time I'm there, all I want to do is move into one of those lovely houses adjacent to the Mission and never, ever leave.
gmg - It's never too late. The coastal drive is worth a trip to Cali all by itself, and is always a slightly different trip due to erosion & whatnot.
Roy,
I know what you mean. I miss my annual cruise up there very comfortable in the passenger seat. Time for a road trip. How about we stop in Malibu for breakfast along on the way :^).
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