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| ThH | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> === Spanish Missions of California === | tree view | thumbnails | slideshow |
| For every history and architecture buff a visit to a Spanish Mission in California is special. These are the oldest buildings in the state, and their history touches the creation of the State of California and later joining the Union. The architecture of the missions is stunning. After Mexico became independent from Spain the missions were secularized and often abandoned. Many went into a disrepair and where later restored by Americans as a national treasure, some under great personal sacrifice of time and money. Today they are protected as Registered Historical Sites. Of course we know now that in the age of "conquistadors" the good Spanish friars imposed in fact a devastating "system of forced labor" on the Native Americans, but this here is about the architecture, the visuals and the role of these Missions in present day California. |
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What remains from the time of their creation is a legacy of change. Nowadays the Missions are serene places, and often a center of local live with an active parish. Weddings and Latin American "Quinceañeras" are often celebrated in these Missions. Some were visited by dignitaries, even by the Pope. Several prominent Hollywood movies were made on the premises, for example the timeless classic Vertigo by Alfred Hitchcock.
The missions host fascinating museums. Especially the one in Sonoma Mission San Francisco Solano (not to be confused with the Mission San Francisco de Asis in San Francisco City). The San Francisco Solano mission is not very impressive architecturally, but it is located in the place where the Republic of California was called out. The original "Bear Flag" of the California Republic is in the museum of this Mission on display. | ||
San Diego de Alcalá |
Mission San Juan Capistrano |
Mission Santa Barbara |
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa |
Mission San Miguel Arcángel |
Mission San Juan Bautista |
Mission Santa Cruz |
Mission Santa Clara de Asis |
Mission San Fracisco Solano |
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