Why go
Mission San Francisco de Asís is defined by adobe walls, timber ceiling, cemetery, and basilica beside the mission. Another layer comes from Ohlone history and Spanish religious architecture held in the same site. Plan Mission San Francisco de Asís by remembering to allow time for both the mission interior and the cemetery.
What to look for
- Look closely at adobe walls, timber ceiling, cemetery, and basilica beside the mission.
- Notice Ohlone history and Spanish religious architecture held in the same site.
The full story
Mission San Francisco de Asís, or Mission Dolores, is the oldest surviving structure in San Francisco and the seventh religious settlement established as part of the California chain of missions. The Mission was founded on June 29, 1776, by Lieutenant José Joaquin Moraga and Francisco Palóu , both members of the de Anza Expedition, which had been charged with bringing Spanish settlers to Alta (upper) California, and evangelizing the local Natives, the Ohlone. The settlement was named for St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Order, but was also commonly known as "Mission Dolores" owing to the presence of a nearby creek named Arroyo de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, meaning "Our Lady of Sorrows Creek." During the expedition of Juan Bautista de Anza, this site was identified by Pedro Font as the most suitable site for a mission in the San Francisco area.
Useful to know
- For Mission San Francisco de Asís, allow time for both the mission interior and the cemetery.
- Pair Mission San Francisco de Asís with Mission Dolores Park or the Mission District when the route and opening conditions align.
Your next visit
Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.
Outdoor visit · 30–45 min
World planning estimate; admission, opening, visit duration and access need checking.