Church
A National Historic Landmark, the historic church is open daily to visitors via the Museum, which oversees its conservation and the care of its collections.
Construction of the present church began in 1811 and was completed in 1815. The design is cruciform with dimensions measuring 30' high, 27' wide and 165' long. The solitary bell tower, which serves as a cornerstone to the entire mission quadrangle, is 75' tall . Adobe, lime plaster, wooden timbers, fired clay bricks, and roof tiles comprise the primary building materials. Although painted over through the years, the wall designs obtained from patterns found in books and on textiles, are original. The architecture is Spanish Colonial combining Baroque and Classical styles with Moorish influences.
The church at San Luis Rey is the largest of the 21 California missions and the only one adorned with a wooden dome and cupola, as well as side altars. Unique also to San Luis Rey is the side Madonna Chapel which originally served as a mortuary chapel.
For information, contact the Mission office at 760.757.3651.
