California's Missions

San Antonio de Padua

Founded July 14, 1771

The third of the California Missions is actively used as a church today. It lies 40 miles north of Paso Robles in a picturesque valley. The mission was abondoned in 1883 and its walls crumbled until some citizens began a restauration in 1903. The buildings and the outside of the mission give visitors a good idea of what missions were like in their prime time.

The patron of the Mission is Saint Anthony of Padua who was called the 'Wonder-Worker' during his lifetime, because of the numerous miracles, which were attributed to him. He was buried in Padua, Italy (west of Venice) where a basilica was build over his remains. It is well worth to visit this basilica and Padua if you are in Italy.

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