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Welcome to Carmel Mission Basilica
A Place of Worship, Education, History & Art

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map & guide

Experience one of California’s most important historic sites featuring:

St. Junipero Serra and the Mission Basilica Shrine
The final resting place of saint Junipero 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. Junipero Serra

Carmel Mission Basilica
3080 Rio Road, Carmel California
831-624-1271

A Word From Our Pastor, Fr. Paul, To Our Visitors

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.

Each person who visits with us is warmly welcomed and offered the opportunity to grow in their knowledge of California and their knowledge of how much God loves them.

There is so much to do here during your visit, including walking in the footsteps of our beloved founder and first pastor, St. Junipero Serra known as “the Apostle of California.” There are several museums, a wonderful collection of art and religious artifacts, beautiful fountains and courtyards, all deserving of some of your time. No visit here would be complete without admiring the unique collection of religious and Mission-related gifts in our Mission Store.

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. Junipero), “Always Forward, Never Back“, with renewed hope in your heart, and great love in your life.

Fr. Paul P. Murphy
Pastor at Carmel Mission

Visitation 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. The Basilica is not accessible to visitors 30 minutes prior to services.

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 our website to plan your visit www.carmelmission.org.

Tours tours@carmelmission.org
Pilgrimages pilgrimages@carmelmission.org
Weddings weddings@carmelmission.org
Eventsevents@carmelmission.org

Photography & Drone Policy

Photography and Videography of any kind, whether for personal use (i.e. family portraits, holiday portraits, wedding/engagement photos, company team photos, maternity photos, graduation photos, etc) or commercial use requires a reservation. If you are interested in using the Mission grounds and gardens as a backdrop, a reservation must be booked two business 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
Wheelchairs are available upon request at the Mission Store

Restrooms
Are available for admitted visitors and those attending service.

Service Animals
Qualified service animals, such as a guide dog, are welcome at the Mission. No other pets allowed.

Emergency Information
For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.
Our address is 3080 Rio Road in Carmel, CA 93923. Please notify Mission staff of any incident, accidents, or emergency as soon as
possible.

Operating Hours & Mass Schedules

Mission Store & Grounds Hours
Monday and Tuesday, Closed
Wednesday and Thursday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday, 11:30 am - 5:00 pm
Mission Grounds close 15 minutes prior to store closing.

Contact Us
Museum Store • store@carmelmission.org 831.624.1271 Ext. 210 Parish Office • reception@carmelmission.org 831.624.1271 Ext. 200 Museum Curator • curator@carmel-mission.org

Mass Schedule/Communion Services

Basilica
Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:30 pm
Sunday Mass: 9:00 am and 11:00 am

Blessed Sacrament Chapel
Noon Mass: Wednesday and Friday 12:00 pm.

Sacrament of Reconciliation
Confession: Saturday: 9:00 am - 10:00 am.

Additional Visitor Information
Parking, calendar, events and our historical information brochure, may be found on our website:
www.carmelmission.org

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Museum Store & Visitor’s Entrance
Entrance to the Carmel Mission Museum and Grounds.

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Convento Museum
Featuring the relic artifacts of Saint Junípero Serra his living quarters along with exhibits displaying historic art,furnishings and the first Library of California.

img Saint Junipero Serra – Cell
img Caravaca Cross
img First Bible of California
img Hartnell Library – First Library of CA
img Liturgical Paintings of Paez
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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.

imgSilver Room
imgCenotaph – Joe Mora
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Carmel Mission Forecourt
Outdoor Memorials, historic statues and heritage gardens framing the entrance of the Carmel Mission Basilica Church.

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Harry Downie Museum
Exhibits and displays of the restoration history of the Old Mission.

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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 Junipero Serra, founding father of California and the Spanish Colonial Missions.

img Saint Junipero Serra – Final Resting Place
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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.

imgOur Lady of Bethlehem
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Mission Cemetery
The final resting place and memorial to members of the Historic Parish community.

imgCemetery
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Munrás Family Heritage Museum
Displays the Early California artifacts of one of Monterey’s prominent families.

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Mission Quadrangle Courtyard
Within the Quadrangle Courtyard are historic memorials, heritage gardens and the Iconic mission fountain.

img Main Courtyard Fountain
img Courtyard Cross
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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.

imgBlessed Sacrament Chapel
imgOriginal Sanctuary Lamp
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Rectory Office

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Junipero Serra School

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Crespi Hall
Carmel Mission Basilica Parish Hall.

www.carmelmission.org