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Mission Dolores: Visit San Francisco's Oldest Surviving Structure
3321 16th StSan Francisco, CA 94114-1712 Phone: (415) 621-8203About
In the heart of a bustling urban neighborhood, get a sense of California’s early history at this serene 1791 mission. Mission San Francisco de Asís, also known as Mission Dolores , was the sixth of the California missions and is the oldest surviving structure in San Francisco. Today, the site, which now is used as the name of the surrounding “Mission District,” gives an interesting peek into the city’s earliest history. Dedicated in 1791, the solid adobe chapel was built by Native Americans converted to Christianity. The tranquil mission and its neighboring gardens and cemetery offer an affecting look at history, and can be enjoyed through a self-guided tour or a docent-led group tour (phone ahead). The gardens have been replanted with the kinds of trees, shrubs, and flowers that were grown here originally. The cemetery contains the remains of Ohlone and Miwok Indians, as well as early pioneers (if you know San Francisco street names and neighboring communities, look for the sources of familiar local names, like Arguello and Moraga). The chapel has survived two major earthquakes and the San Francisco fire following the 1906 earthquake, which consumed many neighboring blocks. Inside the chapel, note the use of native redwood for supports, and ceiling beams painted with brightly colored Native American designs.
