Mission San Juan Capistrano, halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles, was founded in November 1776. It was the seventh mission founded by Father Serra. Today, the rebuilt Mission San Juan Capistrano is called the "Jewel of the Missions." You can still see the chapel in which Father Serra held church services. Take a tour of the historic mission.
An earthquake damaged the Great Stone Church just six years after its completion in 1806. Native Americans helped build the original church. Use the mouse to take a virtual tour of the outside of the Great Stone Church.
You learned about Junípero Serra, the priest who started missions. He held services in this chapel.
Scroll down to paragraph two to learn more about the mission bells. For many years they hung from a tree before the bell tower was completed.
Imagine you will attend a Return of the Swallows celebration. Find out what events the celebration includes. Then read a story about why the swallows return to the mission every year.
