Mission Santa Clara de Asís
Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053
Tel: 408-554-4023
Visit Website
De Anza National Historic Trail site. Santa Clara Mission is the site of the oldest continuously used established college in California. Hundreds of Mission period artifacts reside in the adjacent de Saisset Museum. Santa Clara is the eighth mission, founded on January 12, 1777 by Fr. Tomás de la Peña. The mission is named for St. Clare of Assisi, founder of the order of nuns called the Poor Clares. The Franciscans transferred ownership to the Jesuits in 1851, and they founded Santa Clara University.
The first and second churches were built 1777 and 1779 by the banks of Guadalupe River; third, 1784; fourth, 1818-1819. Fifth and present church built 1825. The church structure was remodeled in the Victorian style 1861 and 1887, and burned down in 1926. Santa Clara students managed to save several original paintings, a bell, and statues from the fire. The present replica structure was constructed in 1928-29.
Landmark Status
California State Landmark #338
Directions to the Mission
From US-101: Exit onto US-880 toward Santa Cruz/Los Gatos. Exit to the right onto CA-82 (The Alameda). Turn left into the main entrance of Santa Clara University. The mission is in the center of the campus. Map
Hours of Operation
Please call 408-554-4023 for information. Note that Catholic Mass is celebrated Monday-Friday in the mission chuch at 12:05p and on Sundays at 10a, 6p, and 9p. Click here for a self-guided tour.
Facilities
Weddings. Please call 408-554-4023 for information.
