Mission Santa Inés image credit: (2023, March 10) in Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Santa_In%C3%A9s
Where is Mission Santa Ines located? Have you heard of the Mission Santa Ines? In California, many Spanish missions contribute to the state’s rich history, but perhaps none are as beautiful as the Santa Ines Mission.
The old mission in Solvang has survived for centuries and was one of the last to be founded in Southern California. It remains an active Catholic church and has much to show eager visitors. If you’re planning on visiting Solvang and want to visit the Santa Ines Mission, consider staying with us at The King Frederik Inn. Whether your visit is religious or historical, we can help make your stay worthwhile.
We can also help you plan the activities you’ll enjoy in this quaint Danish-inspired town. This is because we have years of experience recommending famous sites like the Santa Ines mission to our guests. So, continue reading if you want to learn more about this spectacular historical site.
Santa Ines Mission History
Of the over 20 missions built by Spanish Franciscan priests between 1769 and 1836, Santa Ines was the 19th. This old mission was founded in 1804. It was the first European settlement in California’s beautiful Santa Ynez Valley.
At the height of its prosperity, this mission was a beacon for many. Its 350-square-foot quadrangle housed living quarters, workshops, and storerooms. It is also recorded that this mission had an adjoining Native American village. It housed 80 families. Yet, that’s not all. The Santa Ines mission was also home to cattle, with over 6,000 grazing the mission lands.
Unfortunately, in 1812 a devastating earthquake took its toll on the mission. The 1824 Chumash Indian revolt against Spanish soldiers also left this mission worse for wear. It wasn’t until 1904 that the priest carried out much-needed repairs.
With an assortment of men who exchanged labor for free boarding at the mission, it was rebuilt. With their help and further renovations in 1947, the mission was restored to its former glory.
Mission Santa Inés Marker image credit: (2023, March 10) in Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Santa_In%C3%A9s
The Santa Ines Mission—Present Time
Today, the Santa Ines Mission is part of the Santa Ines District. This district houses over 15 structures, sites, and houses. They reflect the period between 1804 and 1855.
Some of the surviving historical buildings include the original Adobe church with the priest’s residence wing. There is also the soldier’s residence, archeological remains, the Chumash village, and the temporary church.
You may also want to look at the largely intact original water system and the complex system of mills and reservoirs found at the mission. There is a phenomenal view of the Santa Ynez and San Rafael mountain ranges.
What To Expect When Visiting This Mission Near Solvang
When planning a trip to Solvang and the Santa Ines Mission, it’s an excellent idea to learn more about what you can expect. If you know what to expect, you will have something to look forward to when booking a stay with us and visiting this incredible area.
The Santa Ines Mission Chapel
At the Santa Ines Mission, there is a beautiful chapel that you can visit located near the museum. This chapel boasts Spanish-style mission architecture that is a treat for the eyes. When you first walk in, the gorgeously long, narrow room and wood beam ceiling will captivate you and transport you back in time.
You can also feast your eyes on the attention-grabbing shrine to the mission’s patron saint—Saint Agnes—and the painstakingly restored original artworks and decorations. Within this chapel, you’ll also get to see many crucifixes, chapel feature paintings, and statues from the period that showcase Santa Ines’s history.
However, since Santa Ines is an active church, you might encounter worshippers during your visit, so keep this in mind.
The Santa Ines Museum
It might not seem believable, but there is a museum at the Santa Ines Mission. If you’re eager to learn more about this holy site’s history, stop by the mission before or after you visit the chapel.
To enter the museum site, you will need to pay an estimated $5, which is a steal, considering all you will get to see and explore during your visit. For example, an incredible collection of historical artifacts and scale models shows a glimpse into Santa Ines’s past and what it was like during the 1800s. There is also a large collection of original mission bells and vestments to be seen.
Yet, what you might love to see the most is the room in the museum dedicated to the Madonna Chapel. This room features inspiring paintings of the era and a beautiful wood-carved altar. There’s also a gift shop in the museum so you can take a little souvenir of your visit home with you!
The Santa Ines Gardens And Cemetery
Everyone deserves some peace and quiet every once in a while, and you can get this if you visit the Santa Ines gardens and cemetery when visiting the mission. These gardens are filled with many plant species and are quite a sight to behold.
There is also a pretty fountain centerpiece and original seminary flooring, and statues throughout the garden that thousands have walked before you. Besides the garden, you can also look at the well-kept cemetery that is the final resting place for 1,700 people, including members of the Santa Ines clergy.
Book A Stay At The King Frederik Inn To Visit This Old Mission In Solvang
There’s much to see and do at the Santa Ines Mission for those interested in history, religion, or Spanish-style architecture. If you’re interested in stopping by this beautiful site, book a stay at the King Frederik Inn.
Our hotel can act as your home away from home as you explore everything Solvang offers, including this old mission, the many wineries, shops, and horseback riding tours. Contact us with any questions, and we’ll tell you more about our amenities and services, including complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable rooms.
