California travel expert Veronica Hill of http://www.CaliforniaTravelExpert.com tours The Jewel of the California Missions, Mission San Juan Capistrano , in this episode of "California Travel Tips." This historic California Mission has a colorful past, filled with stories of pirates, Indians, ghosts and padres. Located an hour south of Los Angeles in Orange County, San Juan Capistrano is a historic walking town filled with great restaurants, shops and bars. For a fun California day trip, take the Amtrak or Metrolink train to Capistrano Depot, where you can enjoy a day at the Mission followed by lunch at one of many outdoor cafes. We enjoyed a wonderful brunch on the outdoor patio of Cedar Creek Inn, located right across the street from the Mission. Today, this gorgeous Mission, which is visited by more than 500,000 people a year. Founded by Franciscan Padre Junipero Serra on Nov. 1, 1776, Mission San Juan Capistrano was the 7th of 21 missions established along El Camino Real, The Kings Road. Today, it runs along Highway 101. Every year on St. Joseph's Day, March 19, the Mission celebrates the return of the swallows from Goya, Argentina. Though they no longer nest here, you can find the swallows, along with other native birds at Trabuco Creek a mile away. When you arrive, sign up for the free audio tour and begin your journey through these beautiful grounds, where you'll learn more about the Mission San Juan Capistrano history. Serra Chapel is the last surviving church where Father Junipero Serra performed Mass. Junipero Serra lived between 1713 and 1784. Here, you can light a candle and quietly tour this gorgeous Catholic church, which, built in 1777, is the oldest California building still in use. Its hand-carved wood and gold leaf retablo is more than 400 years old. The Great Stone Church, completed in 1806, was considered the most magnificent chapel on the West Coast. Tragically, in 1812, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake destroyed the church, killing 42 parishioners. Some believe this Mission San Juan Capistrano church is still home to a ghost named Magdalena, who was killed in the rubble. Dubbed the "American Acropolis," the Great Stone Church is one of the Mission's most popular sights. Four bells from the wreckage were saved, and rehung in the campanario. The newly built Mission San Juan Capistrano basilica next door was modeled after The Great Stone Church. After founding the Mission, Father Serra shared his faith and knowledge with the native Acjachemen Indians, who were called Juaneño. Approximately 1,500 Indians lived at the Mission, learning new skills like ranching, woodworking and farming. La Pozolera was the Mission's outdoor kitchen, where more than 1,000 people were fed at a time. Meals included fresh bread, beef, potatoes and corn. In the Mission gardens, residents grew fruit, vegetables, herbs and olives. In 1779, California's first vineyard of Criolla grapes was planted. Many experts believe this is where California's wine industry began. Grapes were crushed by foot in vats, and the Mission produced its first sacramental wines in 1783. Water was brought to the Mission from a series of aqueducts lined with stone or brick. You can still view many of these zanjas (zan-has) on the Mission grounds. At the Mission Industrial Center, you'll find vats where the Juanenos made soap and candles from animal fat. In 1818, a band of pirates landed at Dana Point and moved inland, raiding the Mission of its food and wine. The fleet was led by Hipolito Bouchard, who was searching for the Mission's gold. Fortunately, residents were warned of the assault and hid most of the treasure. Bouchard also led attacks on Monterey and Santa Barbara. Falling into ruin around 1910, the Mission was restored by Father John O'Sullivan, who worked until his death in 1933. He is buried outside Serra Chapel in the Mission Cemetery. One of my favorite areas of the Mission is the Central Courtyard. This was the center of activity here at the Mission and today is home to special concerts and events. The courtyard is a great place to relax beside a bubbling Moorish fountain filled with koi, or admire the colorful poppies and fragrant flowers around the garden. I promise if you visit this gorgeous California Mission, you'll fall in love with its beauty time and time again. I'm Veronica Hill and that's your California Travel Tip. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 (949) 234-1300 www.missionsjc.com
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