Mission Santa Clara began its life as a Franciscan mission church in 1777, north of where it sits now on the grounds of Santa Clara University. Forced by floods, fire, and earthquakes to move from its original site, the church that stands now was built in 1822. The Franciscan mission to convert the Ohlone people had some success until smallpox and measles decimated the Ohlone.

In 1857, the mission was gifted to the Jesuits, who established Santa Clara University, California's first institute of higher education. The mission church, now the university's student chapel, is open seven days a week, and brochures for self-guided tours are available near the entrance. Artifacts and remnants of the mission era are preserved and may be viewed by visitors.

500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, California 95053, Phone: 408-554-4000

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