San Carlos Borroméo De Carmelo---Mission Carmel---is the second in a string of 21 missions built in the late 1700s along the California coast. Considered by many to be one of the most picturesque missions in the world, it not only continues to function as an active parish in the Monterey Peninsula but is also the burial place of father Junípero Serra.
The mission was founded on June 3, 1770 by Serra and was named for the archbishop of Milan, Saint Charles Borroméo. Serra intended to make the mission his official headquarters while he oversaw the planning of additional places of worship that would each be located a day's walk apart. The mission was moved from Monterey to Carmel in 1771 because Serra felt the rowdy military presence might be a bad influence on the natives he was trying to convert to Christianity.
Mexico's successful bid for independence from Spain in the 1830s impacted the fate of all the missions because they were deemed too costly to keep operating. The mission lands were sold off and many of the physical structures---including Mission Carmel---fell into ruin because there was no one to care for them. By order of President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, all of the missions were returned to the Catholic church, but it wasn't until almost two decades later before restoration efforts began on Mission Carmel.
Under the direction of Franciscan monks at Mission Carmel, the indigenous natives---called neophytes---were taught how to become carpenters, blacksmiths, herders, gardeners and makers of brick and tile. They were not only responsible for helping to build the mission and its courtyards but also to participate in its daily maintenance and the preparation of food.
Mission Carmel is open seven days a week with the exception of Easter, Thanksgiving and the Christmas holiday. Monday through Saturday hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., while Sunday hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Although reservations aren't required, it's a good idea to call in advance (831-624-1271) and make sure the mission is open to the public when you want to visit. Not only is it an active parish, but it's also a popular place for weddings and invitation-only receptions. Admission for adults is $6.50. Seniors pay $4 and children ages 7 and under pay $2.
Mission Carmel has several gallery museums on its premises that include artifacts, furnishings, tools, religious items, drawings and photographs depicting the chronology of community restoration efforts. In addition to rotating art exhibits, lectures and interpretive displays about the mission and surrounding region, visitors can also take a peek into the spartan cell in which Serra spent his days in thoughtful contemplation. Docent-led tours are available by advance appointment and last about 45 minutes. Visitors can also explore the grounds on their own.
Mission Carmel has a small but lovely shop where you can browse for religious items such as crucifixes, medallions, crosses, handcrafted arts, paintings, jewelry, books and prayer cards. If you're on vacation and it's not convenient to make purchases during your visit, the mission also operates its own online store and can ship anywhere in the world.
