Table of Contents
How was Mission Santa Clara destroyed?
The 1926 fire that destroyed the mission/chapel was caused by faulty electrical wiring. (Courtesy of Santa Clara University). The Santa Clara Mission and Church as it appeared in 1851 (Claremont Colleges).
Who manages Mission Santa Clara today?
Mission Santa Clara de Asís
| Secularized | 1836 |
| Governing body | Santa Clara University; Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose |
| Current use | University of the chapel; Parish church |
| California Historical Landmark | |
|---|---|
| Reference no. | #338 |
Is the Mission Santa Clara still in use?
Today Mission Santa Clara continues to serve as Santa Clara University’s student chapel while its image has become the icon for the local county, city, and university bearing its name. To download this narrative and view other helpful materials, click here.
Why was the Santa Clara de Asis Mission important?
Mission Santa Clara de Asís was the second mission established in the San Francisco Bay area. It was the first California mission to honor a female saint. With its fertile land and large Indian population, the Bay Area proved an excellent location for the mission, and it quickly became one of the most prosperous in the mission system.
When was the church at Mission Santa Clara built?
The current church is actually the fifth at Mission Santa Clara! It was constructed in 1928, modeled on a previous structure built in 1825 (and destroyed by fire). It contains a number of statues and furnishings from earlier eras. The church was expanded and given a new facade in 1961.
Is there parking at Mission Santa Clara de Asis?
There is free visitor parking on campus. Very little of the original Old Mission exists, and the current Church was built in the 1950’s. There is still standing the authentic old thick adobe walls of an arched walkway. Old grapevines grow over another pergola covered walkway .