Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano

Such an amazing historical experience, nothing more can be said about learning about what makes this country so fascinating. I recommend trying to plan a day around the metro link, it it extremely local and much better than driving out (unless you’re very local)… The metro link drops you off about two blocks down and there is plenty to see. The mission closes at 5, you can hang around til around 5:30, plenty of near by food and wine bars. Great great great place!

2016 Unilocal 100 Challenge ³⁵⁄₁₀₀
This is the jewel of the missions and the Basilica is the highlight with its Grand Retablo.
The Grand Retablo is made of Brazilian cedar wood. It is entirely covered with 24-​karat gold leaf. The gold leaf was burnished and polished with instruments that produced a golden surface with a smooth and brilliant shine. Wooden statues and other special items were machine carved to a predetermined general shape. After this, a sculptor hand carved them to achieve a desired look.
I attend the Sunday 5:00 pm Mass when I miss Mass at my own church and the music and Homily are always great. Sitting in the pews and looking up at the altar and Grand Retablo makes me feel like I’m the presence of God.

We love this place! My wife was baptised and confirmed here, and my son and I were confirmed as well. Truely an amazing beautiful place. It just makes you feel so good to be here. We are so blessed to be involved and everyone must go to Mass here! One word describes it best, LOVE

–YUP ONE OF THOSE SUPER LONG WISH I COULD GIVE 0 STARS!
This review is just necessary, Yes the property is beautiful, the church is nice BUT trying to reach someone to give you a price on having your wedding here is like pulling teeth. they have a lot of business and surely do not need to be extra nice to get new business and they sure let you know that. I called 4 times before I could reach someone and their answer was
” go on our website and read our information «-(yeah Einstein i read it already that’s why i’m calling — I didn’t really say that but wished i would of)
this is the response i got THREE TIMES!
after i was more firm with the woman on the phone she finally said since your not a member its $ 2000 so if you still want to have your wedding here there’s a lot more you need to do … (umm does this woman think im calling for a free ceremenony?)
lastly I also got ridiculous answers such a :
1. go back on our website and read it again — X 3!
2. I dont handle that and the person is gone home… (my response: can you take a message?) her response: go on our website and fill out the form !
3. WELL WE DONT DO WEDDINGS HERE — HELLLO! IF SHE WOULD OF LET ME FINISHED WITHOUT INTERRUPTING I MEANT A C.E.R.E.M.O.N.Y NOT A RECEPTION!!!
UGH! FORGET IT. I RATHER NOT DEAL WITH THIS BS AND GO ELSEWHERE.
THANKS ALOT– NOT!

The prettiest of all California Missions I’ve seen, so far. Check out the gift shop for some cool souvenirs.

So one night after a movie, my buddy says to me «we’re going on a mission tomorrow. You’ll love it.» My friend and I were ex-​military in the same unit. We were pretty ‘special’ in the day and so a ‘mission’ to us/​to me only meant one thing — hi intensity, super-​octane, get your asses running in gear, never stop if the sky falls, a volcano explodes, or the end of the earth is near… it only means to step it up, load up more ammo, raise the fist up, so you can bring the house down… (so sorry about that i need to drink less coffee).
so i misheard «we’re going to», not «on», a «mission». Mission San Juan Capistrano. Famous for some little birds coming back every year.
I’m a history buff so i clearly enjoyed my time there exploring, imagining the monks doing their monk thing.

Totally gorgeous building on the outside and even more spiritually meaningful on the inside. Loved this location for a friend’s catholic wedding ceremony!
As others have said, the wedding coordinator they have (Lisa) was interesting. For example: to tell someone on the grooms’ side not to sit where they were sitting (mind you, this is after they had an international flight) when it literally didn’t bother anyone. It’s unclear why she felt the need. I’m sure it’s hard to be a coordinator and keep everyone on time, but there’s no need to be rude (especially on such a wonderful occasion!).
Anyhow, that did not detract from the stunning location and well kept grounds. I have been to San Juan Capistrano several times and never stopped in. Next time we go back, I would certainly like to spend some solo-​reflective time there.

This mission has so much history and the basilica is so beautiful inside. People are very friendly, the music is wonderful and overall it’s a great atmosphere to be still, pray and give thanks. The sermons are well thought out and really make you think and examine your walk of faith. This church is definitely worth a try if you are passing through, looking for something new or a change of pace.

I was recently married in the Mission Basilica and everything that has been said about Lisa is correct. This church is absolutely beautiful and the priest we worked with was extremely kind. Working with Lisa, the church wedding coordinator, however, was one of the most stressful things about my wedding.
First, she was very difficult to work with from the beginning, she didn’t send us any materials until a week before a wedding and she went back on her word on things we had all already decided on. For our rehearsal, she was ONE hour late and still insisted on going through the entire rehearsal eventhough it was going to make us late for our rehearsal dinner. She argued with everyone about small things that had nothing to do with the catholic faith but rather she wanted to be done her way. At the rehearsal, I (the Bride) finally convinced her to let us do the procential our way but then during the wedding she ended up doing it her way and not the way we had discussed. She also changed a few other things that made us very confused the day of the wedding.
My experience with the church overall was great but Lisa is rude, unprofessional and not to be trusted with one of the biggest days of your life. I would highly recommend that the church replace her.

Came here to meditate and pray… Im on a mission, and am praying for rain to help our Golden State get out of a historic draught. I get sad when everything around me is all brown, withered away with no end in sight, and how scary the news media keeps bombarding about water cut reduction. Ugh!
Hopefully my prayers gets answered! Fall hurry up…
Oh, this church has a lot of unique history. And pretty much all other reviews that you’ve read «hopefully», well, they’re on fleek! I dont want to repeat what they said. Its going to sound so redundant like I copyrighted their reviews. Namm sayinn.
PS: Those cloud formations that you see on my pics, are such a tease! Why can’t the govt just make more stormy clouds, instead of the wimpy long lines of clouds.!? Bleh.

Wow. this church is beautiful inside and out! There is so much history involved with this historic site as it was first established in 1776 by Father Junipero Serra. and then destroyed in 1812 earthquake, and then patterned after the original stone church. Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano has a gorgeous altar exquisite with gold. All around there are dome ceilings, statues, prayer candles to the sides, and original 17^th century paintings. Any pew that you will sit at has an impressive view and there’s something to see from every angle. It feels special the moment you step inside, whether you are Catholic or not, I’d recommend checking it out! You will definitely appreciate the beauty and art that comes with the peace and tranquility you’ll feel inside the church.

I’ve been to the Mission, next door countless number of times, for photography outings, but never thought to visit this church, that happens to be right next door. I wish I had because until this past Friday, I didn’t know that such an amazing place existed in an area, that I’ve been to pretty regularly, even when I moved to LA County.
Just look at my pics but know they don’t do the place justice. I was here for a wedding and the acoustics, as well as the layout make for a wonderful venue for such a joyous occasion. I’m sure other momentous milestones are celebrated here as well as some that not so much.
Whether you’re into photography, or just like seeing some really awesome architecture or cool things, this is one place you should definitely check out at least once. If not twice.

Beautiful church grounds… amazing place! You can automatically feel that this place is special. I know that the people who started this Mission have a bad reputation however I am Catholic and this church holds a very special place in my heart.
What a lot of people don’t realize is that this is a «Minor Basilica» which means that if the Pope ever comes through this area he has to stay here… on the grounds. The chances at that ever happening are very slim but I am allowed to dream.
The priests here are very busy and there is always one of them on call 24 hours a day. If you are a true Catholic, the Christmas mass here is not to be missed.

This Basilica is absolutely beautiful! I went in here to take photos because I already attended mass at the Serra Chapel.
It’s so ginormous, spacious, and colorful. Always wanted to come here, and I finally did. So glad I came here.

This is not the original mission. The original mission is located right next door. Construction of this beautiful church was completed in 1986. Although the church is built with modern materials, it also has touches of architecture that are in the style of the old missions founded by Fr. Junipero Serra. Inside the church, are lovely wall paintings. The altar is wonderful.
The first time I came here several years ago, I did not realize that it was not the original mission. Found out that the original mission church was destroyed in an earthquake back in 1812. The ruins of the church can still be visited next door.
This new church was proclaimed a Basilica back in 2000 by Pope John Paul II.
We attended mass here on Palm Sunday, and we all loved it. The choir was awesome!
The Mission Basilica is a beautiful church that is worth visiting. For more history, make sure to go next door and check out the ruins of the old Mission San Juan Capistrano!

Beautiful space. Beautiful intricately carved, gold leafed Retablo adorns the main space behind the altar.
This is NOT the same chapel within the walls of the San Juan Capistrano Mission. That is a block around from this church.
Architecture in the style of the old missions of California.
I was here to attend an ordination to the Diaconate and it was solemn, joyous and wonderful!
Basilica Schola provided such lovely, soaring music!
There is primitive style art that adorns every plaster wall. Take the time to look at every wall, because they depict many different religious scenes and saints.
Also note that there is a Chapel off to the side for the Tabernacle — there are two large paintings on the walls that face the Tabernacle. Just beautiful! Good place for prayerful meditation.
Afterward, there was a small reception. I am always grateful for the people who give their time to coordinate these ever more rare events.

Tranquil way to start a Sunday!
9 am service at the Basilica was lovely, peaceful and the music was a perfect complement. There are two parking lots (overflow traffic should head across the street) or street parking is available too.

I’ve visited the Mission San Juan Capistrano Basilica on a couple occasions as a tourist, mainly because I like seeing grand, historical sites. It provides an opportunity for a native Californian, such as myself, a change to reconnect to the state’s past. There’s also an educational and aesthetic need that’s satisfied with visiting the basilica. As a Roman Catholic, I’ve attended the «main mass» of the week here (i.e.: when there’s a choir and organ and a packed congregation; usually the 11am Sunday mass), and attending the liturgy at a massive and beautiful church like this elevates and inspires one’s soul more effectively, in my opinion.
Most of the biggest California cities have a Spanish mission in their core. These were built at a time when California was part of the Spanish Empire in the New World. Basically, it was from these early settlements that the rest of the major cities in the state would grow around and develop (the Los Angeles metro, San Diego, Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Orange County, etc.).
For those that are unaware, a basilica used to mean any public Roman venue in a town’s forum. Its meaning evolved to mean a (usually) large or significant church with special papal designation. The Mission Basilica was designated as a «minor basilica» in 2000 by the late Pope John Paul II. Basilicas are typically a source of pilgrimage for Roman Catholics, and can be a tourist destination for many non-​Catholics.
This particular church building isn’t the original mission, a misunderstanding I first had when I arrived here earlier this year. The original mission established by Father Junipero Serra is adjacent to the basilica and still open for visitors, but was damaged over time to earthquakes (not surprising in California). This basilica was actually completed in 1986 in a «mission revival style.»
Being located in one of the wealthiest parts of the country (south Orange County), naturally, the local Spanish mission would be totally decked out and probably well-​funded by rich parishioners, donors and benefactors. It’s no surprise that San Juan’s mission is a national shrine and can maintain a beautiful campus year round.
When I first entered through the church doors, I noticed the frescoed walls with images of the apostles and various statues of the Lord in different points in His life. It reminded me of other Spanish churches that I’ve visited around the world… the large stone walls and columns, the large domes and the massive and ornate retablo behind the altar. The baptismal font is towards the main doors of the church and is made of grey and white marble. I used it as a post to stand and lean against, as I arrived to a packed church (standing room only). The pictures here on Unilocal will probably help you envision it better.
The golden tabernacle is off to the right of the main altar in a small devotional area. I even took a close up picture of it here. Personally, I always preferred the tabernacle front and center, rather than being assigned a room off to the side. The tabernacle, if you think about it, is actually the most important part of a church and should sit prominently for all visitors to see. I found myself genuflecting erroneously towards the altar (forgetting the tabernacle is off to the right) when I was exiting the basilica last week and corrected myself in mid-​genuflection to reorient more to the right. (The tradition is you bow to the altar, and you genuflect, or get down on one knee, while passing the tabernacle).
The music ministry here during the 11am mass is outstanding. The choir sounds like something out of a big Hollywood production. They stand behind the altar during the mass, with the main cantor coming forward during hymns or pieces that require a sotto voce or solo. I usually stick around after the service is over to hear the organist do an improvisational solo. I find it’s always a great sendoff to hear the full range of an organist’s abilities.
The priests are great homilists. I recall trying to see how many times he would use filler words like «uhm» or «you know,» but he didn’t. He kept eye contact with the crowd the whole time. His reflections on theological items (in this case, was the Trinity) last week was clear and executed as if he was speaking before a camera. I was really impressed with both the insights he offered and the delivery.
What about secular concerns and logistics, like parking? The basilica is in the heart of quaint San Juan Capistrano and is visible from the Interstate 5 freeway. This easy access, along with being a historical tourist destination in one of the safest places in the United States means that traffic may be an issue. I just hope that the mission works on developing an underground structure as part of a longer term plan. In the meantime, even if you park a bit away, at least the town center is pedestrian friendly and the walk shouldn’t bother those visiting to see the rest of the old town.

This must be the 6^th or 7^th mission that we’ve visited and it is by far the best tourist experience. The Mission is in of middle of SJ Capistrano. The grounds are beautiful, as is the chapel. My guess is that there are enough tourists paying the admission fee that there’s money for maintenance and landscaping.
The two courtyards, the bells, and the chapel (used now as a parish church) are really beautiful. The basilica collapsed in an earthquake a few years after it was built.
There are a couple of discordant notes:
1. There’s scant evidence of the fabled swallows. Under the eaves at one corner of one wing, there are 5 – 6 abandoned swallow nests. Near the bells there are speakers playing swallow songs in a forlorn attempt to entice the swallows to return. If you don’t know the song «When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano,» check it our on Wiki:
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2. There’s no mention of how miserably the Franciscans treated the Indians. While it may have been kind by the standards of the 18^th Century, the Indians were in fact held in virtual slavery in the missions.
And I can’t resist one historical factoid: In the 1833, the government of Mexico «secularized» the missions and emancipated the Indians in California. In March 1865 President Lincoln signed an executive order returning the buildings — not the farmland — to the Catholic Church. Who knew?

Quite impressive yet serene enough to make you feel like you’re closer to divinity.
As I stepped through the doors, I am reminded of the many people who shed their blood, sweat and tears to build this church centuries ago. We’re lucky it’s still standing today.
Thank goodness for the 21^st century, the restroom is quite modern and clean.