The Santa Barbara Mission is located on a hill above the centre of a famous coastal resort on California’s legendary west coast.

In 1820 the sacred building’s architect wanted to base his design on the architectural and artistic styles of Roman temple construction. While in Spain a Franciscan friar acquired a book that contained details of Pre-Christian buildings designed by the Roman architect, Vitruvio Polion.

Long before the Spanish invaded and the arrival of missionaries, this region was inhabited by a tribe of Native American Indians, the Chumash. The early religious community that settled here educated the Indians in Christianity thus a number of the important leaders of the Chumas were converted to Christianity.

Compared to other Spanish missions in North America the splendid design of Santa Barbara’s interior and the church’s precious works of art are unique.

Right up to the present day an important part of the historic and cultural heritage of California has been lovingly maintained within this veritable Queen of Missions.