Are you fascinated by religious architecture and history? Here are the must-see religious buildings in California:
1Mission San Carlos Borromeo De Carmelo
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CAMission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, a Catholic parish, is situated in the picturesque city of Carmel-by-the-Sea in Monterey County, California. This historic mission was the second one established by Friar Junípero Serra in the territory of Alta California back in 1771. It stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. 2Winchester Mystery House
San Jose, CAThe Winchester Mystery House, located in San Jose, California, near Santa Clara, is a renowned site in American folklore. It is known for its reputation as a haunted house, which adds a layer of intrigue and mystery to its history. This reputation has made it a popular destination for tourists who are interested in the supernatural or simply want to explore a unique piece of American history. 3El Pueblo de Los Ángeles
Los Angeles, CAEl Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, also known as Los Angeles Plaza Historic District, is a historic district located in the oldest section of Los Angeles. This area was the city's center under Spanish, Mexican, and United States rule through most of the 19th century. The district was designated a state historic monument in 1953 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. 4Mission San Buenaventura
Ventura, CAMission San Buenaventura, located in Ventura, California, is a significant historical site. It was one of the nine mission towns personally established by Franciscan friar Junípero Serra in Alta California. This mission offers a glimpse into the early history of California and the role of the Catholic Church in the region's development. 5El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park
Santa Barbara, CAThe Presidio de Santa Bárbara, located in Santa Barbara, California, is a historic site with a rich past. It was originally a military installation, constructed by Spain in 1782. The purpose of this establishment was to defend the Second Military District of the province. Today, it stands as a testament to the region's history and the Spanish influence on California. 6El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument
Los Angeles, CAEl Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument, also known as Los Angeles Plaza Historic District, is a historic district situated in the oldest part of Downtown Los Angeles. This district was the city's center under Spanish, Mexican, and American rule for most of the 19th century. It was designated as a State Historic Monument in 1953 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. 7Mission Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CAThe Santa Cruz Mission, or Misión la exaltación de la Santa Cruz in Spanish, is a historical site founded by Spanish Franciscans in 1791. Located in Santa Cruz, California, the mission was named after the exaltation of the Holy Cross. This site offers a glimpse into the history of Spanish missions in California and the influence of the Franciscan order. 8Old Mission Santa Inés
Solvang, CAMission Santa Inés, located in the present-day city of Solvang, California, is a historic Spanish mission founded on September 17, 1804. The mission was established by Father Estévan Tapís of the Franciscan order. It was strategically placed as a midway point between Mission Santa Barbara and Mission La Purísima Concepción to serve the Indians living north of the Coast Range and to alleviate overcrowding at the two aforementioned missions. 9Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park
Weaverville, CAWeaverville Joss House State Historic Park is situated in the heart of Weaverville, California. This site is not just a state park, but also a functioning Taoist temple. It holds the distinction of being the oldest Chinese temple in California, making it a significant part of the state's cultural and historical heritage. 10Portuguese Historical Museum
San Jose, CAThe Portuguese Historical Museum, located in San Jose, California, was inaugurated in 1997. It is a replica of the first permanent império, a type of religious and cultural building primarily found in the Azores. The original império was built around 1915 in San Jose's Little Portugal district. 11Sonoma State Historic Park
Sonoma, CASonoma State Historic Park is situated in the heart of Sonoma, California. This park is home to six significant sites: the Mission San Francisco Solano, the Sonoma Barracks, the Blue Wing Inn, La Casa Grande, Lachryma Montis, and the Toscano Hotel. Each of these sites offers a unique glimpse into the rich history of the region. 12Workman House - Homestead Museum
Industry, CAThe Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum is a historic house museum located in the City of Industry, California. It showcases the homes and private cemetery of the pioneer Workman-Temple family. The museum offers a unique glimpse into the lives of one of the pioneering families in California's history, providing visitors with a rich and immersive experience of the past. 13Mission San Antonio De Padua
Jolon, CAMission San Antonio de Padua, located in Monterey County, California, holds historical significance as the third mission founded by Franciscan friar Junípero Serra in Alta California in 1771. It was also the first mission to have a population greater than 1,000 converts, marking a significant milestone in the history of the mission. 14Hayward Area Historical Society
Hayward, CAThe Hayward Area Historical Society (HAHS) is a nonprofit organization that is committed to preserving and documenting the history of Hayward, California, and its surrounding communities. This organization plays a crucial role in maintaining the historical integrity of the area and provides a wealth of information about the region's past. 15Oroville Chinese Temple
Oroville, CAThe Oroville Chinese Temple is a significant historical site located in Oroville, Northern California. It was constructed in 1863, serving as a community house for the Chinese population in Oroville. This temple provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and history of the Chinese community in the region. 16Mission San Fernando Rey de España - Convento
Los Angeles, CAThe Mission San Fernando Rey de España, located in the northeast of present-day Los Angeles, California, was founded on September 8, 1797 by Fray Fermín Lasuen. This historical site offers a glimpse into the early Spanish colonial period of California's history. 17Forest Lawn Museum
Glendale, CAIn Glendale, there are three chapels: The Little Church of the Flowers, The Wee Kirk o’ the Heather, and The Church of the Recessional. These chapels are exact replicas of European chapels, offering a unique architectural experience for visitors.- 18
San Juan Bautista State Historic Park
San Juan Bautista, CASan Juan Bautista State Historic Park is a significant site located in California, United States. It covers the historic center of San Juan Bautista, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the area. The park is a testament to California's period of Spanish and Mexican control, preserving a significant concentration of buildings from this era.