Have you ever heard about Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala? The first Franciscan mission which was built in California will be explained on Facts about Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala. The mission was found on July 16, 1769 by Father Junipero Serra. Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala is located in the San Diego Mission Road, San Diego. It was named in honor of Saint Didacus of Alcala. Here are ten interesting facts about the mission. Check this out!
Facts about Mission San Diego de Alcala 1: The size
Approximately, the size of the mission was around 135 feet long, 35 feet wide, with 29 feet high. The building was made of adobe with roof tile.
Facts about Mission San Diego de Alcala 2: Father Junipero Serra
Father Junipero Serra was born on November 24, 1713 in Majorca, Spain. His full name is Father Fray Junipero Serra. He was the Franciscan missionary and president of the missions. Junipero Serra had health problems. One of his illness was because a bug bite his legs. Then, he died on August 28, 1784 when he was 71 years old.
Facts about Mission San Diego de Alcala 3: The walls
The walls of the mission is very thick and rough. There are small windows in the wall, near the ceiling.
Facts about Mission San Diego de Alcala 4: The Kumeyaay Indians
The Indians are big population in the Alta California, especially the Kumeyaay Indians. They moved freely in one to another place, because they had personal freedom. Then, they built new dwelling in areas when they moved.
Facts about Mission San Diego de Alcala 5: Water System
As we know that water is very important for us. However, people in the Mission San Diego was difficult to get water. That’s why the padrens decided to build a dam on the San Diego river in 1807. The padrens were helped by the Indians.
Facts about Mission San Diego de Alcala 6: Daily Life
The men and women in the Mission had different occupation. The men worked in the ricefield. He planted crops and hunted for food. Whereas the women wove baskets. The children usually helped their chores.
Facts about Mission San Diego de Alcala 7: Farm and Crops
There were many farm areas in the Mission land. There were 10,000 cattle, 20,000 sheep, and 1,250 horses in the farms. Whereas corn wheat, beans, and barley were crops in the Mission land. That’s why the mission was popular in producing good wines.
Facts about Mission San Diego de Alcala 8: The bells
There are six bells in the mission. The first bell is hung on a tree. Whereas the five bells are hung in the openings cut in a wall (campanario). One one the top, two in the middle, and three bells on the bottom.
Facts about Mission San Diego de Alcala 9: Mater Dolorsa
Mater Dolorsa is the largest bell in the Mission. Approximately, the weight is around 1,200 pounds which was made in San Diego in 1894.
Facts about Mission San Diego de Alcala 10: The famous Missionary Leaders
Fr. Juan Crespi is the close friend of Fr. Serra. He served at Mission San Diego in 1772. Whereas Fr. Fermin Francisco de Lasued served at the mission from 1775-1785 during ten years.
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