Mission Santa Clara

Mission Santa Clara has been rebuilt five times, so it is far from the original. Consequently, it looks more modern and larger than most. It once had two bell towers, as does the Santa Barbara Mission, but now has only one.

There is nice ornate gold and marble work around the alter complimented by two large paintings as well as several arched niches devoted to different saints. There are no pews in this church, only chairs. As you enter, there are three statues carved out of pear wood; Saint Francis, John the Baptist, and Saint Claire de Assisi, all carved in Germany.

Mission Santa Clara is the first Mission named after a woman. The Mission is located at Santa Clara University, the first university in California. The bells in the tower still ring every night.