I was kind of disappointed with the Santa
Barbara Mission. I think it's because I went in expecting
a church with artifacts, like the other missions.
But this is really a modern museum. You can
see the level of effort that has gone into preserving these
artifacts for the generations to come. It's certainly well
maintained, but there's just something missing for me. Most
of the displays are in glass cases or behind windows with
subdued lighting. There's a required entrance fee. 13 and
over are $4, 12 and under entrance is free.
They have a wonderful pamphlet that you should
take with you while on the tour. It has a room by room explanation
of the tour, a map, and a two panel narrative on the mission
This mission was founded on the Feast of St.
Barbara, Dec 4 1786 by Padre (Father) Fermin Francisco de
Lasuen, the successor to Father Junipero Serra.
Padre Antonio Paterna was the first Father
in charge of the mission. He oversaw the contruction of the
first mission buildings on this site.
This mission has a long history in this area.
There have been four churches built on these grounds, growth
and an earthquake causing the rebuilding. The third church
was destroyed by an earthquake in 1812 and the one you see
now was dedicated in 1820
