California Missions San Francisco de Asis

Posted by webisimo on September 10th, 2014

The oldest building which maintains its original structure in California, San Francisco de Asis is also known as Mission Dolores. This is one among the few buildings which survived the earthquake in the year 1906.

Location and history

The mission was originally built near the San Francisco Bay. However, it was relocated five times. At present, it stands just a few miles away from where it was built for the first time.

Mission Dolores was founded by Padre Francisco Palóu in the year 1776. The site was named thus to honor Saint Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan order. This is the sixth among the chain of missions in California. And, it was built to protect the Spanish presence in San Francisco.

In 1776, a group of fourteen soldiers, seven Indian tribesmen, Padre Palóu and some women and children decided to settle down in the region. Within a few days, the site was dedicated to its patron saint. In the month of July, in the same year, some of the residents moved to a nearby site to establish San Francisco’s presidio. The year also witnessed a fierce fight between the residents of the mission and an Indian tribe which attacked the site. Both the sides suffered great loss during the battle. However, the Spanish soldiers were able to drive back the Indians. The reason for this invasion still remains a mystery.

The mission was able to establish peace in the region after one more encounter with the Indians. This too was an attempt of the native tribes to destroy the presence of the Spaniards in the region. Improvements continued and in the year 1782, the present-day church was built. The site also featured apartments for the missionaries, a reception room and dormitories for girls.

Reports say that the native Indians were settlers of the season. They changed residents when the climate became intolerable. When the mission came into existence, they were asked to settle down in a particular place. However, the bad weather and the promise of a brighter future resulted in the running away of many. Most of the time, army was sent to bring them back. Some of the founders of the mission mistreated the residents. Even then, the missionaries tried their level best to care for the settlers therein. In the year 1952, the church of the mission was declared a basilica. Today, it stands there as an epitome of the art of the Indians who lived in the mission.

The cultural and religious importance the mission enjoyed at that time makes it the most-favored tourist destination for visitors all over the world.

Art

The mission church features two side alters believed to be drawn by the Ohlone Neophytes. The drawings resemble to the patterns of these tribes made on rocks. The mission remains open almost all the year. The visitors are advised to contact the mission and book in advance to avoid the last-minute rush.

California Missions

Reports say that California Missions were capable of taking care of their residents. They cultivated corn, wheat, beans and other items to feed the inhabitants. All the missions were also capable of protecting their inhabitants from external intrusions.

If you need more information’s about California Missions visit this website.