Cheap Car Rentals and Mission San Juan Capistrano
The Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of the best known missions in California. Founded on All Saints Day (November 1st) 1776, San Juan Capistrano was the seventh mission founded in the California chain. Mission San Juan Capistrano was named for the 15th century theologian and "warrior priest" Saint John of Capestrano, in the Abruzzi region of Italy. A total of more than 4,430 souls converted to Christianity with the help of Mission San Juan Capistrano, making it one of the regions most prominent and successful missions. Customers of Super Cheap Car Rentals can still visit this iconic church, which was recently listed on the World Monuments Fund "List of 100 Most Endangered Sites". The Mission San Juan Capistrano has survived everything from secularization to earthquakes, proving the facilities divine design. If you're looking for enlightenment on your upcoming Super Cheap Car Rentals vacation, the Mission San Juan Capistrano is the perfect place to start. Visitors of all ages and faiths are welcome so remember to stop by sometime soon.
A Monument to California's Multi-Cultural History
Founded more than 200 years ago, the Mission San Juan Capistrano is often referred to as the birthplace of Orange County. Settlers of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage contributed to the Mission's success, building a community that was self-sufficient and effective. A center for agriculture, industry, education and religion, the Mission San Juan Capistrano now functions as a California Historical Landmark, not to mention an ASM International Historical Landmark. Customers of Super Cheap Car Rentals are encouraged to view some of California's oldest existing "industrial" facilities, which included aqueducts, a carpentry shop, bakeries and a foundry. Residents at the Mission were capable of making everything from olive oil and wine to nails and cannons, creating a successful, self-contained community. The Mission San Juan Capistrano also utilized California's first Catalan furnaces in order to smelt and fashion basic iron tools. Restoration efforts continue on the Mission to this day, as more than half a million people visit the landmark each and every year. Customers of Super Cheap Car Rentals can even opt to sit in on a religious service inside "Father Serra's Church". This church was constructed in 1984 following the original design pattern of the original "Great Stone Church". Its 85 foot high rotunda and 104 foot high bell tower make it the tallest building in the surrounding area.
The Secret of the Swallows
Over the years the Mission San Juan Capistrano has attracted millions of visitors, not to mention a few feather friends. The Cliff Swallow, which migrates between Goya, Argentina and the American Southwest, is a common visitor to the Mission, crafting nests out of eaves and archways. Legend has it that the birds arrive on Saint Joseph's Day (March 19th) and return south on Saint John's Day (October 23rd). The Mission's location near two rivers makes it an ideal place for the birds to nest, providing them with a constant supply of tasty insects. The swallow phenomenon has captivated many a visitor to the Mission, including composer Leon Rene who penned the song "When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano" in tribute. The song has since been rerecorded by The Ink Spots, Fred Waring, Guy Lombardo and Glenn Miller. The following is an excerpt from the popular tune:
When the Swallows come back to Capistrano
That's the day you promised to come back to me
When you whispered, "Farewell," in Capistrano
'Twas the day the swallows flew out to see.
The city of San Juan Capistrano also hosts an annual celebration in honor of the swallow's return. The "Fiesta de las Golondrinas" lasts for a week and includes a number of special events.
No cultural visit to California would be complete without a visit to the Mission San Juan Capistrano, so why not plan to stop by during your upcoming Super Cheap Car Rentals vacation. For more information on the Mission San Juan Capistrano please visit www.missionsjc.com. The Mission is open daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Admission is just $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for children.
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