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Alta
California's first mission-founded July 16, 1769 by Fr. Junípero
Serra. Named for St. Didacus of Alcalá. Moved from
Presidio Hill above Old Town to present site 1774; burned
in Indian attack 1775; rebuilt 1780; destroyed by earthquake
1803; restored and enlarged 1813. Secularized 1834; sold 1845;
returned to Church 1862. Present buildings and restoration
of 1813 church completed 1931. The Mission Church was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
Structure and Condition
- Original buildings include the oldest adobe room in town, the facade, the cobble base of the bell tower and two meters of church side walls. Original tile floors have been uncovered in recent excavations. The original dam and water system is still intact in a nearby regional park.
- Replica structures include present church and quadrangle.
Immediate and Long-Term Funding Needs
- Preservation and maintenance of mission archeological
excavations
- Clean and repair mission artwork and artifacts
- Rebuilding of front convento wing (recently excavated) revealing floor plan and original floor tiles
Directions to
the Mission
From North:
I-5 south to I-805 south to I-52 east to I-15 south. Exit Friars
Road and turn left. Turn right on Rancho Mission Road, and left
on San Diego Mission Road. From
East: Proceed west on I-8. Exit
Mission Gorge Road and turn right. Left on Twain which becomes
San Diego Mission Road. (San Diego County)
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