Santa Barbara Mission

The Santa Barbara Mission, known as the "Queen of the Missions", is the most visited mission in California. It was founded by the Spanish in 1786 on the feast day of St. Barbara. The current mission was built following a devastating 1812 earthquake which destroyed the third adobe church on the site. Its architecture is a blend of Roman, Moorish, and Spanish styles, which became known as Mission Style. It is the only California mission which has been in continuous use since its foundation.

Elements of the mission which have remained intact include an impressive water treatment system built by Native Americans, as well as a grain mill, a fountain, and a lavadero.

The Santa Barbara Mission has the longest unbroken tradition of choral singing of any California institution.

Address: 2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Telephone: (805) 682-4713
Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM daily

LANGUAGES: French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese