Last week I headed back to Carmel-by-the-Sea to visit the Basilica of Mission San Carlos Borromeo del río Carmelo commonly known as Carmel Mission or Mission Carmel. The mission, originally established at the presidio in Monterey was relocated in 1771 to the Carmel Valley. The stone church and mission residences were built around a large inner courtyard and stands as a monument to Father Junipero Serra of the Order of Franciscan Friars. The Spanish and Morrish-styles of the mission offer a unique old-world charm that felt relaxed and welcoming to me.

Please enjoy a few photos I captured of the church, museum, and interesting doors as I strolled around this serene mission.

A grand carved wooden door graces the entrance to the Moorish-influenced stone church topped with three prominent bell towers.

The inside of the stone church with its wooden vaulted ceiling, shaped in a parabolic arch.

The Sir Harry Downie Museum.

A Spanish-style building with a carved door adds to the charm of the Missions’s entrance courtyard and garden.

View of the stone church from the inner courtyard.

A small door within a massive pair of doors exit the inner courtyard.

Covered walkways along the sides of mission in the inner courtyard add protection from the elements.

A small courtyard within the mission provides the perfect spot for quiet reflection.

A fountain stands prominent in the center of the inner courtyard.

This post is my contribution to Norm Frampton’s  Thursday Doors.

Thursday Doors is a weekly feature bringing door lovers together to admire and share their favorite door photos from around the world.