Mission San Juan Capistrano Research Paper

Mission San Juan Capistrano, historic landmark and museum, is the Birthplace of Orange County. It was founded more than two hundred years ago as the 7th of 21 missions in California and features a chapel still standing where Saint Serra once celebrated Mass. Today, it is a monument to California’s multi-cultural history, embracing its Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage. Originally built as a self sufficient community by Spanish Padres and Native Americans, the Mission was a center for agriculture, industry, education and religion. Famous for the Return of the Swallows, Mission San Juan Capistrano’s nickname is the “Jewel of the California Missions” and welcomes over 300,000 visitors each year.

I have been to San Juan Capistrano twice now, once in fourth grade, and then recently during Ski week. Because of my familiarity, going back there was like visiting a memory, and automatically I had a deeper emotional connection with the place and what it stands for. Some of the places that really resonated with me this time include:

The iconic bell wall where visitors can catch the tradition of daily bell ringing. On display nearby are the two original bells that once hung in the Great Stone Church which was completed in 1806 and destroyed in an earthquake in 1812.

The Serra Chapel, which is the only standing church where Father Serra is known to have said Mass.

The gardens and working areas of the mission residents, especially the rendering pits.

Permanent exhibits like “Mission Treasures: Historical Collection Revealed” featuring historical artifacts, precious and rare paintings, religious artifacts and more related to the Mission’s history.

The 400 year old golden retablo within the church, including historic paintings and wall