Mission San Miguel Courtyard, Painting by Anthony Quartuccio

Mission San Miguel is now open to the public.

The Earthquake of December 22nd, 2003 caused extensive damage to the old Mission Church, closing much of the Mission to the public for six years.

Through the combined efforts and the generous contributions of the Diocese of Monterey, public grants and gifts and grants from private individuals and foundations, Mission San Miguel is once again to the public.

This website is dedicated to the history of Mission San Miguel and its environs, and life in Alta California during the colonial period.

But Mission San Miguel is very alive today! For up to date information of what is happening at Mission San Miguel today, or if you are planning a visit to the Mission please visit the official parish website Old Mission San Miguel. You can also contact the Parish office at (805) 467-2131 for directions and the latest information.

Mission San Miguel Arcangel was founded on July 25, 1797 by Father Fermin Lasuen, Presidente of the California Missions Chain. Named for Saint Michael the Arcangel, it was the 16th mission founded in the 21 mission chain in Alta California.

Mission San Miguel's appearance is much the same as it was when founded. The inside of the mission has never been repainted. The pictures and the colors you see are the originals that were created and painted by Indian artisans under the direction of Esteban Munras. Today it is still a parish church.

For information about The Old Mission Church, Museum and Gift Shop and Mission San Miguel Parish, please vista the official Mission San Miguel website.

Mission San Miguel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971, in 2006 was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service, Us Department of the Interior. That same year, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Mission San Miguel as one of “ America's Eleven Most Endangered Places”

After million dollars of earthquake repair and retrofitting, The first phases of the restoration of Mission San Miguel are now completed and the historic old Mission Convento, Museum, Gift Shop and most importantly the Old Church are now reopened to the public.

There is still much to do. A program to study and preserve the entire Mission complex is underway. "Friends of Mission San Miguel," a California non-profit, tax-exempt (501.3c) corporation, has been established to raise funds for this specific purpose.

In addition to preserving this historic and beautiful structure, the reopening of Mission San Miguel is both a major learning experience as well as a restoration effort. During this restoration project, the Mission is being extensively studied by a team of historians, international restoration experts and architects.

We are learning new things about how the original structures were built and developing new techniques to repair the damage while at the same time preserving the original character of the Mission. In many ways Mission San Miguel serves as a model and a leading light for the remaining Missions as they begin their own restoration efforts.

Your help to restore Mission San Miguel will benefit all the remaining Missions in California.

For information on how you can help, please visit Mission San Miguel Restoration Project: "Saving the Irreplaceable.

There is still much to do restore this National Landmark.
Your donations will help to restore the entire Mission Complex.