Misión San Antonio de Padua

The Mission of San Antonio de Padua was the third church established by Spanish friars in the territory that today comprises the state of California. Founded in 1771, this complex aimed to house the church authorities and evangelize the local native communities. Indigenous labor built the sanctuary and its supporting buildings, such as workshops and a granary. These institutions helped the Spanish Crown claim these territories as part of its empire because outside of the mission, the region was sparsely populated. The structures are stone and adobe, with the complex undergoing renovations and expansions over time. For example, a cemetery was added in 1804.