During my stay in California, Travis made sure I visit as much as possible which, among many other things I’ve already blogged about, included the very south of the State. We spent a day in lovely San Diego and I got to experience a number of different things which made an immense impression on me. From ferry rides, World War II battleships, night walks along the Gaslamp Quarter to aquariums.
However, one of my favorite places I got to visit in San Diego was its Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, the very first Spanish mission in California founded in 1769. by a Spanish Franciscan priest Junípero Serra (now saint). A mission system was a way to Christianize the California through Catholic outposts founded and ran by missionary priests.
It’s a place of both prayer and history. There are still active archaeological digs happening which will reveal more of its important Native American and Catholic past. Travis and I visited the adjacent museum and St. Junípero Serra’s room, portraying the late 18th century Californian monastery style.
The most of the complex is split into different garden areas with pathways, fountains and prayer benches. I simply adore this style of build which is quite popular in the region. I had only seen it online and in Mexican soap operas, but obviously nothing beats seeing it in person, especially when it’s immersed in Catholic faith like this.
If I lived in San Diego, I would visit the place often. Even if you’re not there for religious reasons, the Mission simply welcomes you with its pure simplicity of architecture, history and beautiful rustic gardens. I found out I’m a cactus person. God bless.
