Mission San Antonio de Pala

The Mission San Antonio De Pala was established in 1816 by Padre Antonio Peyrias. It was founded as an "asistencia," or sub-mission, to the huge Mission San Luis Rey de Francia on California Highway 76 near Oceanside. This particular location was chosen for the sub-mission as a natural gathering place for the local Native American population, who still worship here today.

Among the interesting architectural aspects of the Mission San Antonio De Pala is its "campanile," or detached bell tower, modeled after a similar structure in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Its two imported bells were cast by Cervantes. Behind the tower is a cemetery containing the remains of early settlers and native converts. The Chapel is an example of simple Mission architecture, adorned with Indian paintings. There is also a public school on the premises for Pala children.

The Mission San Antonio De Pala is located on the Pala Indian Reservation, home of the Pala Casino, due north of Escondido, about 23 miles from Interstate 15 along California Highway 76. It can be seen near the corner at 2nd Street; the address is 3015 Pala Mission Road, Pala, California 92059. Open hours are from 10am to 5pm daily. Visitors are reminded to be respectful of the quiet atmosphere here and keep talking to a minimum.