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Called "The Jewel of the Missions," Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded by Father Junipero Serra on November 1, 1776. It was the seventh of the 21 Spanish missions established in California by the Franciscan Fathers and is considered one of California's most important historical, cultural, and educational centers. The mission was sold for $710 in 1845 to Don Juan Forster, whose family lived there for 20 years. Abraham Lincoln returned the mission to the Catholic Church in 1865. Silent film star Mary Pickford was married in the Mission chapel in 1915. Points of interest within the Mission walls include the early adobe barracks, Friars' quarters, olive millstone, cemetery, aqueduct system, gardens, and the original stone church, which was completed in 1797 and partially destroyed by earthquake in 1806. The Mission has embarked upon a $20 million campaign to shore up this historical treasure.
The Mission is most famous for "the miracle of the swallows," which attracts many tourists. Every year, the swallows migrate to the Mission on March 19th, St. Joseph's Day. The swallows begin rebuilding their mud nests in the ruins of the old stone church. They spend the summer here and finally take flight again on October 23rd, on the Day of San Juan. As they leave, they circle above the Mission to bid it farewell.
31414 El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Phone: 949.234.1300
Open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Good Friday afternoon
Tours are available
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