Mission San Francisco de Asis (Mission Dolores)

What: Mission San Francisco de Asis, known today as Mission Dolores

Location: 320 Dolores Street; San Francisco, CA / Between 16th and 17th Streets

Founded: Founded June 26, 1776, by Father Francisco Palóu, the mission was named after Saint Francis of Assisi.

History: Mission Dolores was the sixth mission established under Father Francisco Palóu. In 1782, a new site was located and in 1781, an adobe church was dedicated -- the church that stands today.

Over the years, it has remained relatively unchanged. The facade looks very much like it did in the late 18th century and during the 1906 Earthquake and Fire, its sturdy adobe walls kept it safe.¹ Although the basilica next to it was destroyed, the little church came away from the disaster virtually unscathed.

Landmark: Its California landmark number is 327, while its San Francisco number is 1. It is the oldest intact structure in all of San Francisco.

Place (Time) to Visit: The historic church -- along with the cemetery and rebuilt basilica (1913) -- attracts visitors year-round.² To visit the church, with its artifacts and original construction (adobe brick walls and roof tiles), is to step back in time. To when the City of San Francisco itself was founded over 200 years ago. Gaze upon the frescoes and look up at the ceilings featuring the work of the Costanoans - the Native American people living in the area at the time.

Walking Tour: You could easily visit the neighborhood on your own, but if you wish to go with a group or a guide, then consider a walking tour with San Francisco City Guides.

Getting There: If you drive, parking can be found on (and nearby) Dolores Street. For those who take public transportation, there's the J Church line from Muni Metro , buses 22 and 33 from Muni, and the 16th and Mission stop from BART.

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^{* Mission Dolores. Photo reprinted with permission of the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau.
1 California Mission History: San Fracisco de Asis
2 Mick Sinclair. Fodor's Exploring San Fracisco. Fodor's Travel Publications. 2003. (pp. 18, 124-25)}