How is mission Santa Barbara different from the other missions?

Mission Santa Barbara stands out from other California missions due to its unique architectural style. It features a Baroque Churrigueresque façade, characterized by intricate decorative details and elaborate ornamentation. The façade is adorned with sculptures, reliefs, and columns that create a visually stunning and distinctive appearance.

2. Rose Window

Mission Santa Barbara boasts a remarkable feature—a large and intricately designed rose window located above the main entrance. This rose window is made of colorful stained glass, depicting various religious symbols and biblical scenes. It is one of the few rose windows found in Spanish missions in California and adds a touch of European elegance to the mission's architecture.

3. Indian Chapel

Unlike other missions, Mission Santa Barbara has a separate chapel known as the Indian Chapel, located on the south side of the mission grounds. This chapel was specifically built for the Native American converts and features simpler architectural features compared to the main church. It serves as a reminder of the mission's efforts to evangelize and educate the indigenous population.

4. Cemetery and Grave Markers

The mission's cemetery holds a significant distinction—it is the only cemetery among the California missions that still has its original grave markers intact. These grave markers, known as "calvario," are intricately carved stone structures that mark the resting places of missionaries, Native American converts, and prominent individuals associated with the mission.

5. Franciscan Archives

Mission Santa Barbara houses an extensive collection of historical documents known as the Franciscan Archives. These archives contain invaluable records, manuscripts, letters, and other materials related to the mission's history, the lives of the missionaries, and the interactions with the Native American communities. The Franciscan Archives provide a wealth of information for researchers and historians studying California's mission era.

6. Serra's Tomb

The mission's importance is further elevated by the fact that it serves as the final resting place of Father Junípero Serra, the founder and "Apostle of California." Serra's tomb is located within the mission church, and his remains were transferred to Mission Santa Barbara in 1955. The presence of Serra's tomb attracts pilgrims and visitors who come to pay homage to this prominent figure in California's history.