I love traveling around California and seeing the Missions in their various states of restoration. Many years ago I visited Mission San Antonio de Padua in Monterey County. Founded in 1771, it was in a very natural state...looking very unlike the much restored Santa Barbara Mission. I think it has had some work done on it since I was there. *Makes note for upcoming road trip*
All the Missions are gorgeous and, although built in similar style for obvious reasons, each has a beauty and style, as well as things to see and explore, that are all their own.
For comparison purposes, I'll post a few shots from San Gabriel Arcangel. Founded in 1771, it is 11 years older than the Santa Barbara Mission which was founded in 1782.
This photo is of the Campanario, or bell wall. According to this website the oldest bells were cast in Mexico City in 1795.
Most missions have this (or a similar) statue of Father Junipero Serra. These were gifts of William H. Hannon - a Southern California real estate developer who gifted 100 statues to various places.
One last shot of San Gabriel Arcangel. If you would like to see a few more shots, as well as some gorgeous coastal shots around Ventura County, CLICK HERE
Welcome to La Mision de la Senora Barbara, Virgen y Martir (the Mission of the Lady Barbara, Virgin and Martyr) AKA: the Santa Barbara Mission!
Unlike San Gabriel's campanario, the Santa Barbara Mission has two bell towers; the only mission that does.
The mission grounds are quite beautiful here. Which is to be expected since Santa Barbara. right next to the parking area is a little picnic area lined with gorgeous orange flowers with fuzzy pods.
Beside the mission, there is a little garden with native plants used in the Mission era.
As mentioned above, all of the California missions have a similar design and all include a water fountain (or two). I wanted to get a shot of this one, but there were too many tourists about getting in my shot. So I contented myself with shooting the lily pads with their monetary offerings and fish swimming beneath.
This is the Mission lavanderia or laundry.
Here's a bug on the silvery green leaves surrounding one side of the lavendaria.
The mission cross is set out on a wide expanse of lawn.
At the end of the walkway leading to the park and rose garden, there was a lovely little garden with succulents and cacti.
I think I found all the bees in California. This tree had hundreds flying around it!
These were growing in profusion...some were gigantic!
The rose garden was awash in color with what seemed to be more than 40 varieties of roses.
A Bee on a purple-pink rose! So much to love!
And another purple-pink rose with leafy bokeh.
On that beautiful note, I'm going to have to save the rest of my visual adventure for the next post. There are just so many great things to see at this Mission.
xoxo
