Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar

Mission Bells heard from The Hotel California?

As I said Monday, in my article on the Hotel California, there’s a mission right around the bend.  This is the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Church of Our Lady of the Pillar) for the Misión Santa Rosa de las Palmas.  The mission was founded in 1733, and the first structure established for this mission was built in 1747.  This adobe building was erected in 19th Century, although it does retain some of the original walls from 1747, most notably the entryway.

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar

Inside the church it’s surprisingly bright and airy, considering that missions built back in the 1700s served dual functions as fortresses.

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar

The altar is surprisingly light and colorful as well.

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar

Across the street from the church is the cheerfully decorated Central Plaza.

The Central Plaza — across the street from the mission

After visiting the church it’s time to get back on the streets for some more fun photography:

Todos Santos arts and crafts store

Todos Santos flowers

Todos Santos street

First The Eagles, then The Doors . . . or at least one of them

Todos Santos crafts shop