 | Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa |
| San Luis Obispo, CA Print Leave a comment |
Description
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is a Spanish mission that was built as far back as 1793. The original building still stands, though the portico has been renovated and an annex added. It's lovely to walk around the huge spacious plaza in front of the mission. There's an abundance of trees, eucalyptus and even redwood trees, because of the creek that passes through. A statue in honor of the Chumash indians shows bears and an indian hunting for salmon- San Luis Obispo used to be an area with an abundance of bears. Kids like to watch the light catch in the fountain. Walk along the balcony and enjoy the view of the plaza. Then cross the bridge and peer down at San Luis Creek. You will come to the back of the buildings that line Higuera Street, and will find some a handsome indoor plaza.
The mission is named after Saint Louis, who was from Toulouse, France, hence Tolosa. The mission has an interesting history: The settlers at the other four missions including the Monterey mission were starving. They remembered that there was a plentiful supply of bears on the plain where San Luis Obispo stands. They came, hunted, and brought back 25 mule-loads of dried meat to the Monterey mission. After that, Father Serra decided to build the fifth mission in this ideal spot, where there was water and meat to be found, and where the local Chumash indians were friendly. The original mission had womens' quarters, soldiers' barracks, mills, storerooms, and land for farming, but this is all gone now. These days the mission functions as a regular Catholic parish.
The gardens in the back of the mission are beautiful, with grape vines hanging from the shade beams. There is a Chumash Indian oven, and lovely plants abound. Inside, the mission is magic. It is narrow with a high wooden ceiling, a Spanish balcony in the back, and elaborate decorations on the walls and archway. Take a peek inside!
When you visit the mission, you are right in Downtown San Luis Obispo, a great little spot with plenty of clean-cut energetic students in their late teens buzzing about. Check out the pedestrian-only area, Downtown Center Mall, at 893 Higuera St. A pleasant playground a minute's drive away is Santa Rosa Park.
Photo Gallery
Click on photo to see large versionThe mission, as seen from across the creek. |
Redwood tree and bridge, in the plaza in front of the mission. |
San Luis Creek. |
The mission's Spanish portico, which was restored in 1933. |
The pretty plaza in front of the mission, and stores on Chorro St. |
The balcony that looks down on the plaza. |
There's plenty of room for kids to run around in the plaza. |
Kids love the fountain of the bears and Chumash indian hunting for salmon. |
Directions
From Highway 101 northbound, exit at Broad St in San Luis Obispo and head along Broad St. Turn on the third left on Palm St. The back of the mission, where the gardens are, will be on your right.
From Highway 101 southbound, exit at Broad St. Turn right immediately on Lincoln St and then right immediately on Chorro St. Cross under the freeway and then turn right on the third right, Palm St. The back of the mission, where the gardens are, will be on your left.
The address is 751 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo CA 93401 call (805) 781-8220.
This is an interactive map, you can zoom and move it.
Visitor Ratings
Overall Visitor Rating: 
something 02/18/2010 21:27 | i visited the missiongood pics | |
JM 10/14/2009 14:24 | beautiful...I love the hand painted ceilings and stained glass...peaceful... I feel honored to be in such a special place with such deep history....I want to return again with more time to explore the gardens. |