History
Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Río Carmelo (English: The Mission of Saint Charles Borromeo of the Carmel River), first built in 1797, is one of the most authentically restored Catholic mission churches in California. Located at the mouth of Carmel Valley, California, it is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark. From 1797 until 1833, Carmel Mission was the headquarters of all Alta California missions. It was headed by Saint Junípero Serra from 1770 until his death in 1784. It was also the seat of the second missions presidente, Father Fermín Francisco de Lasuén, who was in charge of completing nine more mission churches. In 1833, the mission buildings and lands were secularized by the Mexican government. By the mid-19th century, the Carmel Mission structures had fallen into disrepair. The chapel was saved from total destruction when the roof was rebuilt in 1884. Two years later, ownership of the mission was transferred from a group of Franciscans to the Diocese of Monterey. Ever since, Carmel Mission has been a parish within that diocese. Beginning in 1931, Harry Downie began restoring the mission and worked continuously on the project for the...
Common questions
What is Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo?
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, also known as Carmel Mission, is a Spanish Colonial Catholic mission church located at the mouth of Carmel Valley in Monterey County, California. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark.
When was Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo built?
The present church at Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo was first built in 1797. The mission itself was headed by Saint Junípero Serra from 1770 until his death in 1784, and Harry Downie began an extensive restoration program in 1931.
Where is Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo located?
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo is located at the mouth of Carmel Valley in Monterey County, California, in the area known as Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Can you visit Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo?
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo operates as a parish church within the Diocese of Monterey, a role it has held since 1886. Visitor access is associated with its function as an active church and restored mission complex.
Why is Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo historically significant?
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It served as the headquarters of all Alta California missions from 1797 until 1833 and was the seat of Father Junípero Serra and his successor Father Fermín Francisco de Lasuén.
