Exploring the Carmel Mission

On a visit to California a few years ago, we drove along the Pacific Coast Highway stopping along the major Cities along the Pacific Coast. One of these Cities is Carmel By The Sea where the National Landmark Carmel Mission is located. The Mission is officially known as Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo which was founded by the Roman Catholic Franciscan Friars, Saint Junipero Serra in 1771 until his death in 1784. These missions were created by the Spanish Roman Catholic Fathers in California as a centre for their Roman Catholic colonization of Western America. To this day, the Carmel Mission is still an active parish and has five Museums. It was worth the visit to see the architecture and the collections which have been preserved since 1771. The gardens were also worth the visit as the flora and fauna planted there were for the California sunny and dry weather. When in Carmel, visit the main street with its luxury shops and also stop by here at the Carmel Mission to sit back for awhile with history and some religious reflection. 

The Bell Tower is original from the 1700s.

 Exotic gardens with some cactus plants around the Mission. 

 

The garden is surrounded with life size statues of Catholic Saints. 

 The Main Altar and collection of religious items dating from the 1700s.

 

  Jo Mora Chapel Gallery showcase the Serra Memorial Cenotaph, sculpted in 1924 by Jo Mora made with marble and bronze.

 The huge Munras courtyard surrounded by the Mission Buildings. 

 Mission Buildings were influenced by Mexican and Spanish Architecture.

The Gate and Main Entrance towards the Basilica Church which is a registered National Landmark. 

Happy 4th of July Long Weekend to our American Family and Friends!

Enjoy the Summer Weekend!