Mission Santa Bárbara, Virgen y Mártir
2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Tel: 805-682-4713
Visit Website
Following initial land explorations of Portola (1769) and Anza (1774), the Spanish decided to establish a presence in the heart of the populous Santa Barbara Channel region. The Presidio of Santa Barbara was founded in 1782, but it wasn't until December 4, 1786 that Mission Santa Barbara was established, the tenth of the California missions. The mission grew rapidly to a population of nearly 2,000 converts in 1805 and underwent a period of extensive construction, during which a church, residences, store rooms, and manufacturing shops were built. They also constructed a 253-unit Chumash neophyte housing development and an elaborate water system.
The final mission church was built of stone over its adobe predecessor, following the great earthquake of 1812. Its Ionic columns and interior decoration are Neoclassical in style, many elements derived directly from Vitruvius' book on ancient Roman architecture. Fr. Antonio Ripoli (1815-1828) was the capable and beloved pastor of the mission during the Chumash Revolt of 1824. The Chumash neophytes, fleeing Mexican soldiers, begged Ripoli to accompany them and he later negotiated a satisfactory peace between the fugitives and soldiers.
Santa Barbara is the only mission to be occupied continuously by the Franciscans from its founding until the present. It is now a National Historic Landmark, the highest level of recognition in the country, and includes the city-owned properties adjacent to the mission that contain Spanish period structures, as well as the water system. A garden is maintained at the mission to clone and propagate plants from the mission period for replanting at their original sites. It is also the home of the Mission Archive-Library, a world-class research center for the California Mission period. The mission cemetery contains memorials to many of the early founders of the City of Santa Barbara, such as the de la Guerras and Carillos, as well as an ossuary for deceased Franciscans.
Landmark Status
California Historic Landmark #309
Directions to the Mission
From US-101 : Exit and proceed east on Mission Street. Turn left onto Laguna Street and left onto East Los Olivos Street. Map
Hours of Operation
9am - 4:30pm daily; closed Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
For tour information, please call 805-682-4713 x166
Facilities
Gift shop and online store, phone 805-682-4149
Mission Renewal Center, phone 805-682-4713 x133
