A walk through our local Mission when visiting San Luis Obispo is a must. Set in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful of all California Missions. Starting from Monterey and Chorro Streets the Mission's beauty becomes apparent immediately with majestic San Luis Creek.
Bordering to the left are colorful flowers and rock laden walls within the plaza. At one time an actual road ran through what is today the Mission Plaza.
Making your way through the Mission Plaza will bring you to the 'Bear Fountain'. This fountain represents not only California's state animal, but also the large bear population which existed in the greater San Luis Obispo area before it became civilized. In fact a neighboring city is named Los Osos which is spanish for 'The Bears'.
The Mission San Luis DeTolosa and church exist midway in the Mission Plaza. Established in 1772 by Father Junipero Serra it was named for Saint Louis, Bishop of Tolouse of France. The reason for the Mission's establishment was because the Spanish government saw it as a way to establish itself more firmly in a faraway land. Especially, since England and Russia had become very interested in the resources of Northern California. The Mission system was the answer to establishing outposts without great expense.
Since those times the Mission DeLolosa has functioned as a parish church for the city of San Luis Obispo. It has gone some architectural modifications, but only to enhance and restore its original style. Many of the existing paintings and statues in the church date from the early 1800's.
Located on the opposite end of the Mission on the left is the Judge Walter Murray Adobe. Established in 1849 this white-washed building is what remains of the adobe home of Walter Murray, an Englishman who came to California with the Stevenson's regiment in 1846. Murray printed the first copies of San Luis Obispo's local newspaper, the Tribune, from this building.
Making your way through the Mission and into the courtyard behind the church you will find a serene courtyard with an array of flowers and walkways set in a early spanish day style. A perfect place for a picnic!
Today the Mission Plaza is the site of many community events throughout the year as well as a wonderful place to relax and enjoy its beauty.
