Located on a low hill overlooking the fertile San Juan Valley, Mission San Juan Bautista sits on a rising crustal block on the Pacific side of the San Andreas Fault. Since it was established in June of 1797, the mission has suffered damage from a variety of earthquakes. Shaking was said to be so severe in a 1798 earthquake that the missionaries slept outside for an entire month.
The layout of Mission San Juan Bautista and the Plaza area is typical of an old Spanish community design. A covered corridor of 20 arches decorates the front facade of the white-washed stucco mission. The rustic wood doors throughout the complex have a simple, down-to-earth style. There’s nothing fancy here.
Something I recently learned – the San Juan Bautista Mission was featured in the 1958 Alfred Hitchcock thriller, “Vertigo.”
Despite its “shaky” history with earthquakes and association with the Hitchcock thriller, today, Mission San Juan Bautista has a calm, peaceful atmosphere. It’s one of my favorite places to bring friends and family when they visit the Bay Area.
Inspiration: Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Arch, Dome or Half Circle and Thursday Doors.
Capturing Moments 
Marvelous photos for both these challenges. 😀
Thank you, Cee.
Most of all, I love the series of pillars! speaks of so much atmosphere and history. I was musing that people living in such a dangerous area need to have a calm perspective of life. the others have already moved on (When we lived in Southern Calif. I have known some of my psychology colleagues so shaken up after an earthquake that they moved.
I imagine the power of an earthquake can rattle anyone to their core. I keep my fingers crossed we don’t experience this first-hand. Living in California has its blessings and big risks.
Don’t know if my comment before came through… Love the series of arches. its speaks of so much atmosphere and history! Was musing that people living here have to have a calm perspective of life. The others have moved on to safer places!
The flow of the arches creates a soothing atmosphere. I find it intriguing that the location feels so peaceful and filled with positive energy despite the potential for an earthquake to happen at any time. 🙂
That looks like a quiet peaceful place – beautiful shots 🙂
Thanks, Norm.
I like that simple look.
janet
The simple look is very pleasing and welcoming.
I agree.