As pointed out on the history page, the original San Rafael Mission church was completely destroyed after Secularization and a new parish church built on the Mission site. The Mission reconstruction that you see here is basically very much a guess at the original structure and, if you compare this layout with the picture on the wall of the museum you will note that here the building wing extends to the left of the church while in the picture it extends to the right (what would be into the street). This, and many other details, point out the amount of guessing that went into reconstruction of this Mission. There are a number of interesting things outside the MIssion to visit. Their location is shown in the picture below as a general reference and map.
Picture taken 11:36am 17 Feb 2012
Front of the Church
The Mission bells presently hanging on a frame in front of the Mission are replicas of the bells that had been hanging there in years past and during the mission era. Those original bells are now in the museum. The replicas, however, are excellent and the bells and frame probably look similar to what you would have seen back when the Mission was active. The frame was more likely timbers tied together rather than lumber bolted together.
Just below that and a bit to the right is the cornerstone.
Picture taken 10:50am 17 Feb 2012
Now turn around and head down the side of the Church.
Side of the Church
![]() ![]() Picture taken 10:52am 17 Feb 2012 |
The Hannon statue of Saint Serra is next in line on the side of the Mission church, facing the street. It’s difficult to reach to touch his toe for luck.
Remember as you look at the statue that it is a life-sized representation of Saint Serra. |
Now proceed further down the Church and toward the end of the Church you will find a large wooden cross that represents the cross erected to establish the Mission.
On the street side is one of the El Camino Real bells you see along Highway 101 and in other significant locations. |
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![]() Picture taken 10:54am 17 Feb 2012 |
![]() Picture taken 10:54am 17 Feb 2012 |