The Mission features several different points of interest among its grounds for visitors. The attractions are focused on the site's 250-year history and its religious significance in the Roman Catholic church.
To be honest, there’s a lot to see and experience with a visit to this historical mission from the church, chapel, bell tower and artwork to the museum, archeological site and gift shop!
The Parish Church
The Mission is centered around its parish church, which is currently active in the San Diego archdiocese. The church offers the holy sacraments to its community and church members, including baptism, confirmation, holy eucharist, matrimony, holy orders, anointing of the sick and penance.
Celebrating Mass
As an active church, the Mission holds mass several times a week. On weekdays and on Saturdays, mass is held twice daily at 7:00 am and 5:30 pm. On Sundays, there is a mass in the morning, folk music, congregational singing and a Spanish mass.
Statue of Jesus Crucifixion at the Mission Basilica San Diego De Alcala
The Chapel
The Saint Francis Chapel houses mass a few times a week in Spanish. The chapel was built in the 1970s and donated to the Mission. Inside, visitors can see a set of historic choir stalls that date back to the 15th century.
Father Luis Jayme & Father Junípero Serra
While in the church, visitors can view the burial marker honoring Fr. Luis Jayme. He is entombed beneath the altar.
When outside, visitors can find the statue honoring Fr. Junípero Serra on the private road to the far left from the small parking lot.
Artwork
Inside of the Mission church, visitors can see examples of religious paintings and sculptures. Some of the pieces date back to the 15th century.
The Bell Tower
The iconic bell tower of the Mission's white façade is another big attraction to see. It's a 46-foot Campanaro or bell tower wall featuring five bells.
One bell is original, dating back to 1802. Another one of the larger bells was recast from parts of the original Mission bells.
The Festival of the Bells
The Blessing of the Bells and the Blessing of the Animals is a veritable feast featuring traditional music, food, and dancing.
The star of the event? The ringing of the 5 bells - including the original 1802 bell.
There is currently no date set for the 2024 celebration - the 255th anniversary of the founding of the Mission San Diego de Alcalá - but you can expect for the festival to once again take place in mid-July, close to the founding date - July 16th.
Archaeological Site: El Convento
The southern region of the Mission grounds contains what is left of the original convent that stood here in the early 19th century. There is an ongoing archaeological dig here that has yielded artifacts like clothing, tools, weapons and pottery. Items excavated are displayed in the museum.
Casa de los Padres
The Casa de los Padres is a historical display of how the Mission looked when it was first constructed in the late 18th century. Visitors can see an interpretive layout of the rooms of the early founders, complete with historically-accurate furnishings.
The Museum
The Mission provides its collection of historical artifacts on display. There are also Kumeyaay artifacts to see, including a hut and a cooking oven.
The Meditation Garden
In the center courtyard is a serene meditation garden. It features gorgeous palm trees, a quiet path and colorful flowers.
The Gift Shop
The gift shop sells a variety of souvenirs. It also has brochures, maps and other pieces of information that are helpful when navigating the grounds.
One personal tip is to ask questions and get information from the staff at the Mission's gift shop. The clerks working there often are eager to answer visitors' questions and tell them more stories about the Mission.