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Mission San Fernando

January 4, 2008
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Named for St. Fernando, the 13th Century King of Spain, Mission San Fernando Rey de España was founded in 1797.

field-guide-sanfernando

The Mission's location in the San Fernando Valley relieved the long passage on the El Camino Real between San Gabriel and San Buenaventura. By 1804, nearly 1,000 Tongva lived and worked at the site, learning the important trades of the mission such as leathermaking, weaving, and farming. By 1832, the mission had gained a reputation for winemaking and harvesting over 32,000 grapevines. Over the decades, however, the Mission became dilapidated and was relegated to be used as a warehouse and a hog farm before Highland Park's own Charles Lummis led a campaign to save the site from ruins in 1896.

When you enter, don't miss the unique 21 Roman arches along the front of the Mission. Marvel at the Mission's traditional quadrangle layout, the Church's elaborate 360 year old altar, reredos, and pulpit carved from walnut dating back to 1687. The stunning "Long Building", bordered by a colonnade of 19 arches, branches out from the quadrangle and once housed the padre's quarters. Venture inside to appreciate a fine wine press, smoke room, and refectory where missionaries took their daily meals.

NOTE: The mission is open daily 9:00am-4:30pm (gift shop open until 5:00pm). Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas day. For more information, please call: (818) 361-0186.

DIRECTIONS TO START
CAR:Take the 5 North toward Sacramento and exit for San Fernando Mission Blvd. Keep left at the fork and merge onto San Fernando Mission Blvd. In about 1 mile the mission will be on your right.

NEARBY PARKS
Brand Park Memory Garden
A California Historic Landmark, Brand Park offers peace of mind with its meticulously maintained rose garden, olive and pine trees that line the park pathways, and grassy areas.
15174 San Fernando Mission Boulevard
Mission Hills, CA 91345
(818) 361-1377

DINING
In-N-Out Burger
A Southern California institution, In-N-Out offers a simple menu of the freshest burgers, fries, and shakes in the Southland.
11455 Laurel Canyon Boulevard
San Fernando, CA 91342
(800) 786-1000"?

The Bear Pit
For some of the best BBQ in the San Fernando Valley, set your sights on the Bear Pit. Few can resist the Pit's Beef Sandwich on Garlic Toast or the Pork Sandwich with sweet BBQ sauce.
10825 Sepulveda Boulevard
Mission Hills, CA 91345
(818) 365-2509

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