the mission san diego de alcala gardens

San Diego de Alcala, the first of the great California Missions, 

marks the birthplace of Christianity in the far West. 

It is California's first church. 

One of my favorite things about visiting

the Missions of California is

walking through the beautiful

and lush gardens

that most of them feature.  

Perched up on a hill,

the San Diego de Alcala Mission

was the first one built of

the 21 California Missions.

Today visitors can relive the grandeur and excitement 

of more than two centuries of California history and tradition.

The missions were built to be

about a one day journey to the next one,

starting down from San Diego up to Sonoma.  

They are an incredible part of our history

here in California,

with the most famous being

the Mission San Juan Capistrano

where the swallows return every year.  

Here, an old palm trunk is

swallowed up by a gorgeous bougainvillea plant.  

Tall spikes of acanthus flowers 
greet guests at the mission.

The inner courtyard was quiet and peaceful.

Beautiful antique ironwork.

Hanging succulents grow naturally

on the pepper trees. 

Such a lovely spot!

ciao! fabiana

History of the mission via Mission San Diego