Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano is Famous for its Swallows

Mission San Juan Capistrano
Ortega Highway at Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano CA

Founded October 30, 1775, by Father Fermin Lasuen
Refounded November 1, 1776, by Father Junipero Serra

Named Mission San Juan Capistrano
for Saint John of Capistrano, Italy

Interesting Facts about Mission San Juan Capistrano

• Mission San Juan Capistrano is the only one to be founded twice

• The swallows return to Mission San Juan Capistrano every year around March 19

• Mission San Juan Capistrano is sometimes called "Jewel of the Missions" because of its beauty

• The small chapel at Mission San Juan Capistrano is the only place still standing in California where Father Serra said mass
  

Mission San Juan Capistrano Chronology

1775 - First founded Mission San Juan Capistrano
1776 - Re-founded by Father Serra
1797 - New church started
1806 - New church completed
1811 - Most successful year at Mission San Juan Capistrano
1812 - Population 1,361
1812 - Earthquake destroys church, kills 40
1835 - Secularization
1849 - Gold Rush
1850 - California statehood
1863 - Mission San Juan Capistrano returned to Catholic church

Getting to Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano is located in southern Orange County, 3 blocks west of I-5 on Ortega Highway. Exit the freeway and turn west onto Ortega Highway. Mission San Juan Capistrano is straight ahead 2 1/2 blocks.