Mission Dolores, a historical curiosity

It was built by the Amerindians under the authority of the Spanish colonists. The Amerindians worked and lived in disastrous conditions, and many succumbed to the diseases introduced by the Europeans. The church retains an Amerindian identity thanks to its ceiling with traditional weaving motifs. The town of Yerba Buena, the future San Francisco, grew up around the mission, which became a central location. The Catholic Church was entrusted with the building in 1857.

The Old Mission Church is the oldest intact building in the whole of San Francisco and the only one of California's 21 missions still standing. Built from adobe (mud bricks and sun-dried straw) and whitewashed, it has withstood all the disasters the city has seen, including the 1906 earthquake. Unlike the neo-Gothic cathedral, which was destroyed by the earthquake, it has been replaced by the Mission Dolores basilica, which is part of the tour.

The visit is free, there is no guide, but a route has been set out. At the start of the tour, a flyer will be handed out containing information on each stage of the visit and providing a better understanding of the history of the mission. The first stop on the tour is the church, with its accompanying cemetery and gardens. There is a memorial to the 5,000 Ohlone and Miwok workers who died during the measles epidemics. It is also the final resting place of the natives who built the mission, as well as the first Californian pioneers and other important figures in the town's history.

The gardens surrounding the church are magnificent and were completely restored a few years ago. Comprising traditional native trees, shrubs, plants and flowers dating back to 1791, they allow visitors to immerse themselves in what was once the environment of peoples who have now disappeared. The gardens also feature a rose garden donated by the Golden Gate Rose Society, which is tended on a weekly basis.

The visit continues with the museum and photo exhibition retracing the history of the mission and the terrible earthquake of 1906 that devastated the town. They are located next to a charming little chapel. The last stop on the tour is the mission basilica, where masses are held. Built in the Churrigueresque style after the earthquake, it is a tribute to the missions that no longer exist. Its stained glass windows represent the 21 missions of California and its panels refer to the Seven Tongues of Mary.

Surrounding the mission is Dolores Park. After visiting the church, tourists can sunbathe and relax on the grass. The park is renowned for its sports facilities, including six tennis courts, a basketball court and two football pitches. There are also facilities for children and a dog run. It regularly hosts festivals, shows and other cultural events.

Did you know? The "blue house" in Maxime Le Forestier's song San Francisco is in a street near the park.