Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Junipero Serra and California's Missions
In 1769, Gaspar de Portola led an expedition to establish missions in California,
with Father Junipero Serra and 60 men. They founded Mission San Diego, and
then worked their way up to Monterey. Continuing up the coast, within seven
years Father Serra had established a mission in San Francisco, with Father Fran-
cisco Palou. In all, Serra founded nine missions in Upper California between
1769 and 1784. His successors founded 12 missions between 1786 and 1823.
Tip:
For a fresh, authentic taste of Mexico, head for Pancho Villa Taqueria.
Tip:
Check out the old photos in the covered walkway on the right side of the
chapel, which depict, among other things, early Indian festivals and the total de-
struction in 1906 of the church next door, which was replaced by the basilica.
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