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California State Historic Landmark. De Anza National Historic Trail site. Santa Clara Mission is the site of the oldest continuously used established college in California. Hundreds of Mission period artifacts reside in the adjacent de Saisset Museum. Santa Clara is the eighth mission, founded on January 12, 1777 by Fr. Tomás de la Peña. The misssion is named for St. Clare of Assisi, founder of the order of nuns called the Poor Clares. The Franciscans transferred ownership to the Jesuits in 1851, and they founded Santa Clara University.
The first and second churches were built 1777 and 1779 by banks of Guadalupe River; third, 1784; fourth, 1818-19. Fifth and present church built 1825. The church structure was remodeled in the Victorian style 1861 and 1887, and burned down in 1926. Santa Clara Students managed to save several original paintings, a bell, and statues from the fire. The present replica structure was constructed in 1928-29.
Immediate and Long-Term Funding Needs
- Continued conservation of the mission's extensive artifact, manuscript, and vestment collections.
- Improved interpretation plan, including additional signage and educational exhibits.
Directions to
the Mission
Northbound:
South on US-101. Exit onto US-880 toward Santa Cruz/Los Gatos.
Exit to the right onto CA-82 (also known as The Alameda). Turn
left into the main entrance of Santa Clara University. The mission
is in the center of the campus.
Southbound:
From US-101 north, exit onto US-880 towards Santa Cruz/Los
Gatos. Exit to the right onto CA-82 (The Alameda). Follow
Above. (Santa Clara County)
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