Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MISSION DOLORES
The old Misión San Francisco de Asís acquired its popular name, Mission
Dolores, from a small stream that once flowed nearby, Arroyo de Nuestra
Señora de los Dolores. It is the oldest building in the city of San Francisco
and the oldest intact mission chapel in the chain of 21 (of which it was the
sixth) established under the direction of Franciscan friar Father Junipero
Serra. The site was founded in 1776, and the chapel was built in 1782-91,
with the labor of Ohlone Indians. Its adobe walls are 4 ft (1.2 m) thick and
its red-tile roofs are typical of the “Mission Style” which can be seen all over
California in both old and new buildings. Reportedly, 36,000 handmade
and sun-dried adobe bricks were needed to complete the structure.
3321
16th St at Dolores St • 415 621 8203 •
www.missiondolores.org
• Open
9am-4pm daily • Dis. access • Suggested donation $5 adult, $3 child
Google Map
1. CEMETERY AND SERRA STATUE
This historic cemetery is the resting place of 5,000 Indians who built the Mission, as
well as many of San Francisco's early leaders. Central to the space is a life-size sculp-
ture of Father Junipero Serra.
View photo
2. CHAPEL
The central building still retains the original redwood beams, lashed together with
rawhide. The amber-colored window glass gives the interior warmth, reflected off
gold-leafed fixtures.
View photo
3. ALTARPIECES
The hand-carved, gilded and painted wooden reredos and side altars were brought
from Mexico in the late 1700s and early 1800s.
