Originally founded in 1786 on the feast day of St. Barbara, Mission Santa Barbara (or Santa Barbara Mission) is the prime tourist attraction in the California city of the same name. Situated on a rise between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this was the 10th mission of 21 missions planned and built by Father Junipero Serra and the Franciscan Friars.
Known as the "Queen of the Missions'', Mission Santa Barbara was actually founded by one of Serra's missionaries, Father Fermin Lasuen, as Father Serra had died before this particular mission became a reality. The missionaries built three different chapels at this location. The one previous to the present structure was destroyed by an earthquake in 1812. It was after this natural disaster that construction began on the current mission, which was completed and dedicated in 1820. This beautiful building, with its signature double bell tower (signifying that this mission served as a cathedral), was once again damaged by an earthquake in 1925 but was quickly repaired and reopened in 1927. Though the exterior has gone through some changes, the inside remains much as it was in 1820.
Unlike the other 20 California Spanish missions, Santa Barbara Mission is the only one to remain under the leadership of the Franciscan Friars since the day of its founding. Currently, the Friars lease the space to the present congregation. The building is no longer isolated from the rest of the town. A residential neighborhood as well as a few public buildings and parks surround the mission.
Visitors to Mission Santa Barbara can tour both the grounds and the inside of this building, which is built in the neo-classical style using decorative features from the Roman Empire. Constructed under the direction of master mason Jose Antonio Ramirez, it is similar to the churches built in the Mexican countryside in the early 1800s.
Inside, visitors can view a variety of historic artifacts and pieces of art. Baskets and tools belonging to the Chumash Indians - the tribe Serra was hoping to convert - are on display as are many of the tools and materials used in the building of the mission. Several examples of 18th and 19th century Mexican art are also available for viewing in addition to Chumash art, including the only existing examples of large sculptures crafted by California Native American tribes. In the Chapel Room, guests can view a video about the history of Mission Santa Barbara and view old music books, instruments, and vestments.
As a California State Historic Landmark, much of the mission has been lovingly preserved including its extensive water works, built by the Chumash Indians, and including a filter house, Spanish grist mill, sections of aqueducts, and two reservoirs. The largest reservoir is now part of the city water system. Ruins of the old tanning vats and pottery kilns are also visible while touring the grounds. The outside fountain near the entrance is beautiful and a great place to take photographs.
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