Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum and is the birthplace of Orange County. Named the “Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano is located in the beautiful, historic downtown. You can spend a great deal of time there, walking through the enthralling courtyard, the carefully curated museum rooms, and the beautiful Serra Chapel, all while going through a free audio tour of the mission grounds. You can bring a sack lunch and eat at their picnic area by their thriving garden. After your tour, you can walk through the downtown area to see other cultural landmarks, locally-owned shops and restaurants, and the Pacific Ocean, which is only about 3 miles away. We’ve driven through San Juan Capistrano many times before, and each time, I’ve always been so enamored with the town. It’s got this quaint, charming feel about it. Definitely put this beach town and mission on your travel list.
Beautiful quadrangle area 
One of the museum rooms 
Ruins of the Great Stone Church that was destroyed by the great earthquake of 1812. 
Original bell tower display 
Sacred Garden 
Bell wall 
This is a panoramic view of the Great Stone Church that was destroyed by the great earthquake of 1812.
Mission Highlights:
Mission San Juan Capistrano is number 7 of 21 Missions in California.
The mission was founded on November 1, 1776 by Padre Junipero Serra and named after an Italian saint, San Giovanni di Capistrano (John of Capistrano in English) who was born in 1386.
The Mission is about 10 acres, including the Basilica and the Parish School.
On December 8, 1812, while many people were in the Great Stone Church for mass, a great quake shook the earth. The bell tower collapsed on the center of the church blocking the exits. Forty people tragically died inside. After the catastrophic event, there was no attempt at rebuilding. The padres left the church in ruins for everyone to remember a great loss in the community.
Mission San Juan Capistrano received the nickname the “Jewel” of the Missions because of the Great Stone Church. When it was completed in 1806, 9 years after the start of construction, it was recongized as an architectural stunner. Even to this day, the ruins of the Great Stone Church still stand as a marvel to admire.
There are 4 bells hanging on the Campanario, or bell wall. The 2 smaller bells are original. The 2 larger bells are replicas of the original bells that still hang at the bell tower of the Great Stone Church.
The legend of the Cliff Swallows began in the 1920s by Father John O’Sullivan. The story of the swallows was retold over and over and became so well known that every year, Mission San Juan Capistrano recognizes Father O’Sullivan’s story by celebrating the return of the swallows on March 19th, Father O’Sullivans’ birthday.
Long before the Spanish arrived in Orange County, the land was home to the Acjachemen Nation.
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