St. Junípero Serra and the Mission Basilica Shrine The final resting place of Saint Junípero Serra, Founding Father of California
The Caravaca Cross
The personal reliquary cross of Saint Junípero Serra, and one of the most important artifacts of California and Colonial Missionary History.
Our Lady of Bethlehem Statue
The oldest European styled statue of Our Lady brought to Carmel by Saint Junípero Serra.
The First Library of California
A treasure trove collection of colonial era books brought to Carmel by the Franciscan Missionaries.
Founded 1771 by St. Junípero Serra
Carmel Mission Basilica
3080 Rio Road, Carmel California
831-624-1271
Welcome to Carmel Mission
I’m delighted that you have chosen to visit this very special place. You follow in a long line of saints, popes, kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers, who have graced us by their presence. One of those distinguished pilgrims, St. Pope John Paul II, commented during his visit here in 1987: “This serene and beautiful place is truly the historical and spiritual heart of California.”
I pray that you will truly enjoy your visit with us and that you take with you some of the love that sustains the “ heart of California.” May you move (in the words of St. Junípero), “Always Forward, Never Back“, with renewed hope in your heart, and great love in your life.
Fr. Paul P. Murphy
Pastor at Carmel Mission
Visit Guidelines and Policies
The Carmel Mission is a vibrant and active parish community. We welcome visitors and pilgrims from all around the world, who come to explore the history of the Mission and experience it fully in today’s setting.
We ask that all visitors respect our beautiful prayerful environment. Kindly know that access to the basilica and parts of our grounds may be limited due to services, events or restoration activity.
If you wish to reserve a tour or visit as part of a pilgrimage, kindly contact us in advance of your visit to ensure you receive written confirmation of your visit. Please go to Planning Your Visit.
Candid photography taken by visitors is permitted. Portrait photography and videography such as family portraits, holiday portraits, engagement photos, maternity photos, and graduation photos requires a confirmed written reservation at least 48 hours in advance of the reservation. Wedding photography is only permitted for those being married at the Mission on the day of the wedding. Quinceanera photography is not permitted. Photography used for commercial purposes is typically not permitted and would require written permission.
If you are interested in using the Mission grounds and gardens as a backdrop, kindly contact store@carmelmission.org for permission and rates. A confirmed reservation with receipt of payment is required. We request you make your reservation a minimum of two days in advance.
To ensure a positive and safe experience, the Mission prohibits the use of drones over its private property. All visitors to the Mission are advised that their photo may be taken by staff for promotional purposes as part of the effort to raise awareness of the Mission. Names are not provided. Attendance at the Mission implies consent.
Accessibility
Wheelchairs
Wheel chairs are available upon request at the Museum Store
MISSION STORE & GROUNDS
Updated 02/02/22
Hours of Operation:
Monday and Tuesday, CLOSED
Wednesday and Thursday, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Friday and Saturday, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday, from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm
Mission Grounds close 15 minutes prior to the Mission Store.
Contact Us
Mass Schedule/Communion Services
Basilica
Vigil Mass (Saturday): 5:30 pm.
Blessed Sacrament Chapel
Noon Mass: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 12:00 pm
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Confessions: Saturday at 9:00 am in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
Carmelmission Basilica Map & Guide
1 Museum Store & Visitor’s Entrance
Entrance to the Carmel Mission Museum and Grounds
2 Convento Museum
Featuring the relic artifacts of Saint Junípero Serra his living quarters along with exhibits displaying historic art, furnishing at the first library of California.
- Saint Junípero Serra – Cell
- Caravaca Cross
- First Bible of California
- Hartnell Library – First Library of CA
- Liturgical Paintings of Paez
3 Jo Mora Chapel Gallery
Houses the Saint Junípero Serra Memorial Cenotaph, sculpted in 1924 by noted California artist Jo Mora. Featuring some of the earliest liturgical artifacts of colonial California and a rotating exhibits gallery.
- Silver Room
- Cenotaph – Joe Mora
4 Carmel Mission Forecourt
Outdoor Memorials, historic statues and heritage gardens framing the entrance of the Carmel Mission Basilica Church.
5 Harry Downie Museum
Exhibits and displays of the restoration history of the Old Mission.
6 Carmel Mission Basilica
A National Historic Landmark, the Basilica houses an array of Mission era art and artifacts. The Basilica is the final resting place and shrine of Saint Junípero Serra, founding father of California and the Spanish Colonial Missions.
- Saint Junípero Serra – Final Resting Place
7 Our Lady of Bethlehem Chapel
A Basilica Chapel, honoring the Patroness of the Diocese of Monterey. Saint John Paul II prayed in this Chapel during his visit in 1987.
- Our Lady of Bethlehem
8 Mission Cemetery
The final resting place and the memorial to member of the Historic Parish community.
- Cemetery
9 Munrás Family Heritage Museum
Displays the Early California artifacts of one of Monterey’s prominent families.
10 Mission Quadrangle Courtyard
Within the Quadrangle Courtyard are historic memorials, heritage gardens and the Iconic mission fountain.
- Main Courtyard Fountain
- Courtyard Cross
11 Blessed Sacrament Chapel
Built on the foundation stones of the original Mission quadrangle, this chapel is open to the public with mass and communion service offered daily.
- Blessed Sacrament Chapel
- Original Sanctuary Lamp
Download our Map and Guide.
