Mission Santa Ines
was founded on September 17, 1804 by Father Estevan Tapis. It was
named in honor of Saint Agnes, an early Christian martyr of the fourth
century. The Spanish word for Agnes is Inés. The nearby town of Santa Ynez
got its name from this same heritage.
The 19th in a
chain of 21 California missions is the favorite of many who enjoy the vistas
of this missions hilltop grounds overlooking the Santa Ynez River Valley and
the Santa Ynez and San Rafael mountain ranges. Some simply go to the parking
lot of the mission to stand and look out at the beautiful setting that
provides a serene feeling amidst the bustle of Solvang downtown shops on the
perimeter of the mission grounds.
Located between
Santa Barbara County's Mission Santa Barbara and Lompoc's Mission La
Purisima Concepcion, the Mission was established in 1804. Devastated by the
great earthquake of 1812, the mission was rebuilt and once included vast
acreage with thousands of livestock and crops.
The Capuchin
Franciscan Friars from Ireland arrived in 1924 and grew the small parish
into a 1,000+ organization. The active parish church administered by the
Capuchin Franciscan order is a community-involved establishment. Public
functions such as an annual Fiesta, Story Telling Festival and the yearly
Rancheros Vistadores horse-riding event and parades and cycling events all
involve the mission.
There's a gift shop, church and garden to see on self-guided tours of the
Museum & Gardens that are open daily from 9 am -5:30 pm. A small admission
fee is charged to adults. See California
Missions
