Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd.
Mission Hills, California
Tel:
(818) 361-0186
The Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana is the site of the gold discovery that sparked the gold rush in the 1840s, leading to the establishment of the state of California. Since its establishment in 1797 by Friar Lasuen, the mission church has been destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt five times, and is now substantially reconstructed. The original Convento now stands as the largest single two story residence in all of California, and the mission is now home to the archival and baptismal records from the LA Archdiocese.
The Mission building has been used for many purposes over the years, including headquarters for Pio Pico, the last Mexican governor of California, as a station for the Butterfield Stage Lines, and even as a hog farm for some time. The mission is now the resting place of comedian Bob Hope, and houses a library of nearly 2000 books dating back to the 16th century.
Mass is given at various times during the week. To get to the mission, take I-405 to San Fernando Mission Blvd, and continue west.
From Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana - Mission Hills, California:
The mission is named for St. Ferdinand, King of Spain (1217-1252). The Indian name was Pashecgna. A variety of problems, including the 1812 earthquakes and the digging up of the church floor by gold prospectors when gold was discovered nearby caused much of the mission to fall into disrepair. Some restored structures include the church, monastery and some quarters around the quadrangle. The church is active.