Mission Santa Clara

• Cost: No entrance fee
• Location: Santa Clara University, directions below
• How Long: Allow an hour or so
• Best Time to Visit: Any time - Catholic Masses held daily except Saturday may prevent casual visits
• See It Now: Photo Tour

Founded January 12, 1777
by Father Thomas de la Pena
Named Mission Santa Clara for Saint Clara

Interesting Facts about Mission Santa Clara

• Mission Santa Clara is the only mission now located on a university campus

• Mission Santa Clara has rung its bells every evening at 8:30 p.m. for over 200 years

• Mission Santa Clara was the first in California to honor a woman

• Mission Santa Clara was named for St. Francis' childhood friend

Mission Santa Clara Timeline

1777 - Father de la Pena founds Mission Santa Clara
1779 - Flood, Mission Santa Clara moved to temporary location
1784 - New church completed
1812 - Earthquake
1825 - Fifth church completed
1836 - Mission Santa Clara secularized
1851 - Santa Clara University founded
1926 - Church destroyed in fire

Where Is Mission Santa Clara?

Mission Santa Clara
500 El Camino Real (on the university campus)
Santa Clara, CA

Mission Santa Clara is located on the university campus. The easiest way to reach it is from I-880. Exit at The Alameda (street) and go north, past where The Alameda becomes El Camino Real. The University's main entrance is on the left side of the road and Mission Santa Clara is straight ahead. All vehicles parked on the campus need to have a parking permit. Pick one up on the way in.