Carmel Mission, Carmel (must see)

Carmel Mission was founded in 1771 as one of the 21 Catholic missions established along the California coast. It is named Mission San Carlos Borromeo in honor of St. Charles Borromeo. The present stone church, completed in 1797, later received the title of basilica in 1961 from Pope John XXIII, recognizing both its role in the mission system and its distinctive architectural form. Today, the site functions as an active parish, historical complex, and museum that preserves mission-era heritage.

As you begin your visit, step into the main courtyard and look toward the basilica façade and bell tower. The original mission church, now the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, sits just to the left of the museum entrance and continues to be used for daily Mass and adoration. On its exterior wall, note the bronze sculpture depicting the Christ Child visiting Saint Anthony of Padua. Enter the basilica and move along the central nave, where you will see the chapel of Our Lady of Bethlehem off to the left midway down the church — this space was used for personal prayer by Pope John Paul II during his visit in 1987.

Continue toward the altar to observe the burial place of St. Junípero Serra, located at its foot alongside three of his close companions. An adjacent museum room displays a life-size bronze representation of Serra’s burial. As you exit to the courtyard, look for the Serra Memorial Prayer Garden and the ceremonial circle, where the original mission bell is displayed, with a matching bell installed in the tower above. On the north side of the basilica, the Mission Cemetery serves as the resting place for members of the historic parish community.

The mission was designated as a National Historic Landmark in October, 1960.