mission san luis rey de francia

I was recently visiting with friends in the San Diego area and had some time to kill. We decided to head over to the San Luis Rey Mission, number 18 of the 21 California Missions. I've been to it many times but not in at least 20 years. It is a beautiful example of mission architecture that has been authentically restored.

Bell tower and entrance

Founded in 1798 by Padre Fermin Francisco de Lasuen, successor to Padre Junipero Serra, the Mission was named after St. Louis IX, King of France, who lived during the 13th century. 

Outside the main doors

Louis IX (San Luis Rey - Spanish, or Saint Louis the King - English) was taught by the early Franciscans and is the patron of their 3^rd order. He was of Spanish blood on his mother’s side and died fighting in the Crusades. He was canonized in 1297.

Inside the church

During the years of 1798 to 1833, under the charge of Father Antonio Peyri, the mission became home to approximately 3,000 and was self-sustaining. By 1830, the mission was the largest building in California.

Entrance to cemetery

Another interesting fact is that after Mexico won it's independence from Spain in 1821, the mission was sold to private individuals in 1833 by Pio Pico who was at the time the Mexican governor of the state of Alta California. In 1850 California became part of the United States, and the Catholic Bishop in California petitioned the U.S. government for the return of the missions. In 1865 Mission San Luis Rey was returned to the Catholic Church by Abraham Lincoln.

Gargolye in the lavanderia

The history of the San Luis Rey area reflects five periods of occupation: Luiseno Indian, Spanish Mission, Mexican Secularization, American Military, and Twentieth Century Restoration.

Read more about the mission here.


photos taken with an iPhone using "hipstamatic" and "shake it photo" apps