Mission Dolores

Mission Dolores in San Francisco, California is located near Mission District, and is one of six missions. It is currently a place for civic, culture, and religious life. It was founded in 1776, built by Father Junipero Serra when the first Spanish settlers arrived in the San Francisco area. Today the mission is both a Basilica and Old Mission.

The basilica is meant to remind residents and visitors of the diversity and vibrancy of modern times. It is part of Mission District, Castro District, Noe Valley, Lower Haight, and Upper Market Street neighborhoods. Old Mission has more of a historic and architectural significance, providing a place for out of town visitors to enjoy the past and the birthplace of San Francisco.

The Mission still offers services each week at 3321 Sixteenth Street. The Old Mission has Saturday evening mass at 5pm. On Sunday the Basilica offers English and Spanish masses from 8am to 12pm. There are also other masses celebrated during the weekdays in the morning hours.

Mission Dolores offers a school for young children to learn about religion. The school was started in 1856 with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur's help. It is an elementary school, as well.