Old Mission Santa Ines, Solvang

4.5

#1 of 49 in Things to do in Solvang

Must see · Mission · Tourist Spot

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Mission Santa Inés is a Spanish mission in the present-day city of Solvang, California, and named after St. Agnes of Rome. Founded on September 17, 1804 by Father Estévan Tapís of the Franciscan order, the mission site was chosen as a midway point between Mission Santa Barbara and Mission La Purísima Concepción, and was designed to relieve overcrowding at those two missions and to serve the Indians living east of the Coast Range.
The mission was home to the first learning institution in Alta California and today serves as a museum as well as a parish church of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Most of the original church was destroyed on December 21, 1812 in an earthquake centered near Santa Barbara that damaged or destroyed most of California's missions. The quake also severely damaged other mission buildings, but the complex was not abandoned. A new church, constructed with 5to walls and great pine beams brought from nearby Figueroa Mountain, was dedicated on July 4, 1817. A water-powered grist mill was built in 1819, about half a mile from the church. In 1821, a fulling mill was added, designed by newly arrived American immigrant Joseph John Chapman.

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Old Mission Santa Ines reviews

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536 reviews

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4.7

By Joyce P

This mission is very old and has gone through remodeling projects. I attended the 8 AM Mass. The music prigram was led by a very talented soloist and she was a very adept guitar player. All the...

This mission is very old and has gone through remodeling projects. I attended the 8 AM Mass. The music prigram was led by a very talented soloist and she was a very adept guitar player. All the... more »
By Heath S

Mass was beautiful, and afterwards a lovely lady named Nini came over to us and presented us with rosaries, which we will treasure. Spectacularly lovely old church.

Mass was beautiful, and afterwards a lovely lady named Nini came over to us and presented us with rosaries, which we will treasure. Spectacularly lovely old church. more »

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By Adrian Nagle

I enjoy visiting Catholic churches, for education, culture and inspiration and to take the opportunity for some quiet time and prayer during business travel. I visited a few old churches here in the central California coast and am impressed with the longevity of these communities. This church charges an admission, which I'm happy to pay to help keep open and available to the public. The entrance is to the left of the main doors at the souvenir shop. You walk from the shop through several rooms that illustrate the history of the mission. I couldn't spend much time here and may come back for more in depth reading. The museum and church was not busy and I did have time for quiet prayer. The gardens are beautiful and well maintained. I don't know if it is appropriate to picnic here, but would make for a great stop with family.

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By Susan Hermosillo

I've been to a lot of Missions. I grew up in So Cal. This one feels a little different. It's not crazy crowded like San Juan Capistrano, for example. It's really chill and the surrounding landscape is beautiful. Vineyards and farms, as well as the Dutch town of Solvang surround this mission. I don't think I would spend a lot of time here, but it's worth an hour or so. I tried to enter the church but it was closed. Take a nice walk around the grounds then go get some yummy Dutch treats in town.

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