San Gabriel Arcangel is a fully functioning Roman Catholic Mission as well as a historic landmark. The site was founded by the Franciscan monks in 1771 and is an important religious site.
As the wealthiest of all the early missions that were established in California a plethora of incredible history and cultural heritage can now be seen at the site. As the Church is open to the public there is ample opportunity for the general public to witness, experience and enjoy this spectacle. Even outside of the Church, visitors will enjoy wandering amongst the ancient cemetery and cactus gardens.
The collection of mission relics available for viewing at San Gabriel is unsurpassed and widely acknowledged as the finest in the world. King Carlos III of Spain himself donated the hammered copper baptismal font in 1771, and the six priceless altar statues were also brought from Spain in 1791.
The strong Spanish influence has continued through the generations of construction and development throughout the buildings, including the two mission bells which came from Lima, Peru in 1820. The former monks accommodation units are now part of a unique museum where visitors can gain a real insight into the lives of these dedicated religious servants.
The mission has always had enjoyed close relations with the local Indian population and indeed many of the staff that assisted the monks through the ages were indigenous Indian population. Many of the local military objected to such close relations and there were many minor conflicts experienced at the Mission which are now detailed in the museum.
