Mission San Juan Capistrano, founded in San Juan Capistrano in 1776 after an aborted attempt the previous year, became one of California’s most prominent Spanish missions. Established beside the Acjacheme village of Sajavit, it grew quickly as increasing numbers of indigenous people became attached to the mission. The site was also pivotal in early California agriculture, where the Mission grape was first planted and Alta California’s first wine was produced. Its surviving Serra’s Chapel, built in 1782, is the oldest building in California still in use, while the ruined Great Stone Church recalls the 1812 earthquake. After secularization, decline, and later restoration, the complex endures as a museum and active religious site.

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain