More than 200 years old, Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala is the birthplace of Christianity in the far West. Founded on July 16, 1767 by Junipero Serra, Mission Basilica is sometimes referred to as the Mother of the Missions, as it was the first of the 21 missions built in Alta ("upper") California.
Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala is a popular tourist destination for people of all faiths who want to learn about mission life, established by the Spanish Catholics of the Franciscan Order. The 21 missions were built along El Camino Real, or the King's Highway, extending 600 miles from San Diego to Sonoma. The distance between each mission represents one full day of traveling by foot.
In 1976, the San Diego Mission was named a basilica, an honor bestowed by the pope of the Roman Catholic Church, marking it as a church of great historical importance. Only three other California missions are basilicas: Mission San Francisco de Asis (Dolores), Mission San Carlos Borromeo, and Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Today Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala is an active Catholic parish in the Diocese of San Diego. Visitors are welcome to attend mass and can find a schedule of services on the mission's Web site.
For a small donation, visitors are free to explore the church, historical museum, courtyards, gardens and gift store. There are no tours, but visitors may rent a "tote-a-tape" that will provide more information as they look around the facilities.
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- 9am to 4:45pm daily
- Admission:
- Requested donation of $3 per adult, $2 per student and seniors, and $1 for ages 12 and under.
- Contact:
- Location: 10818 San Diego Mission Rd San Diego, CA
- Website: www.missionsandiego.com
