Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala, San Diego

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, the second mission established by the Franciscans in The Californias, was founded in 1769 by Spanish friar Junípero Serra in present-day San Diego. Named after the Catholic saint Didacus of Alcalá, it became the site of the first Christian burial in Alta California. The original mission was destroyed by fire in 1775 during a rebellion led by indigenous locals, and San Diego also saw the region's first public execution in 1778.

Mission San Diego de Alcalá's history is marked by Father Luis Jayme, a notable figure and California's first Christian martyr. He was a victim of the 1775 uprising against the mission and is buried beneath the chancel floor. Despite challenges, Father Serra led rebuilding efforts starting in 1776.

In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation returning ownership of the Mission to the Roman Catholic Church, although it lay in ruins at the time. Father Anthony Ubach began restoration work in the 1880s, which continued until his passing in 1907. The project remained dormant until 1931, resuming its momentum to transform the Mission into an active parish serving the Diocese of San Diego in 1941.

In 1976, Pope Paul VI granted the Mission church the title of a minor basilica, recognizing its importance. Today, it serves as a parish and cultural center, featuring a museum displaying captivating exhibits on California history and indigenous peoples. The Mission's notable features include a splendid garden with a life-sized bronze sculpture of Saint Joseph. As a National Historic Landmark, it preserves a rich history and legacy.