The Mission Santa Clara de Asis was one of many missions in California that were secularized in the 1830s. The mission's land and buildings were sold off to private owners and the mission was abandoned. In 1851, the mission's last resident priest died and the mission fell into ruin.
Restoration and preservation
In 1869, the Catholic Church regained control of the mission. The mission was rebuilt and restored to its former glory. Today, the Mission Santa Clara de Asis is a National Historic Landmark and a popular tourist destination.
The mission also houses a museum and a gift shop.
