A Catholic parish and basilica in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Mission San Buenaventura (Spanish: Misión San Buenaventura) was formerly known as the Mission Basilica of San Buenaventura. The Order of Friars Minor established a Spanish mission that is now the parish church in the American city of Ventura. It was created on March 31, 1782, and was the ninth Spanish mission in Alta California (or Nueva California) and the final mission founded by Junpero Serra, the head of the Franciscan missions in California. The mission is one of numerous locally designated landmarks in downtown Ventura that have been given California Historical Landmark status.
The mission’s name was a tribute to Franciscan saint St. Bonaventure, a Doctor of the Church and one of the first members of the Order to which the friars belonged to. He lived in the 13th century. Pope Francis upgraded the church to a minor basilica on June 9, 2020. On July 15, 2020, the feast day of the mission's patron saint, Archbishop José Gómez of Los Angeles issued an official declaration of the Pope's decision and the elevation of the mission's status. The mission's name was modified to reflect its new standing within the Catholic Church.
Special Attraction
A well-landscaped garden featuring a fountain, a stone grotto, and educational exhibits is a special attraction. The original church doors and two wooden bells, which were used during Holy Week when the metal bells were silent, are kept in the charming mission museum (constructed in 1929).
The Mission Basilica features a Museum, Gift shop, and a Garden. The Basilica Church is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. It is closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Easter.
A self-guided tour is offered daily from 10 am t 5 pm. The Museum, Grotto, and Garden, the Mission Basilica Church, Michelangelo's Pietà, Padre's Burial, Settling Tank, and a 30-minute video are all included in the self-guided tour. The rates per head are as follows:
- Seniors: (65+) $4.00
- Adults: (18-64) $5.00
- Active Military (with ID): $4.00
- Youth: (5-17) $2.00
- Children: (0-4) Free
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Buenaventura
Mission Basilica San Buenaventura 1782
211 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001, United States
Phone: 805-643-4318
Get on US-101 S
4 min (0.9 mi)
Follow US-101 S and CA-126 E to S Victoria Ave. Take exit 1 from CA-126 E
5 min (4.8 mi)
Follow S Victoria Ave and Telephone Rd
Drive to your destination - Rohan S. Toor, DDS 3 min (0.9 mi)