Mission San Diego

On Sunday, July 16, 1769 the first mission, of what would eventually become 21, was established here in San Diego. The building shown here was first completed in 1813 and rebuilt between 1915 and 1931. It has served as a parish church since February 1941. Officially known as the Mission San Diego de Alcala, it is minor basilica, having earned that honor in 1976, which is marked by the emblem over the main door.  On the left of this photo is a statue of Father Junipero Serra, the founder of the Alta California mission system and the man responsible for this beautiful building.