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The Missions of Loreto

About 220 miles north of the capital of Baja California Sur sits the "divine" destination of Loreto. Rich in culture and with over 300 years of history, Loreto is considered to be the oldest human settlement on the peninsula of Baja California. Home to the first two missions of the Californias, Loreto invites travelers to engage in a unique history lesson.

Mission of Our Lady of Loreto

In 1697 a young Jesuit missionary from Italy was sent to travel to and colonize the unknown Western coast of Mexico. With him, Padre Juan Maria de Salvatierra brought the statue of the Virgin of Loreto. It was there among the sprawling mountains and azure waters of the Sea of Cortes that Salvatierra placed the figure, adorned her with flowers and christened the first capital of the Californias. From this act, the Mission of Our Lady of Loreto was born and exists today as a testament to Loreto's deep-rooted history and spirit. Today, this historic mission also houses a museum where visitors can discover the history of the native people, the acts of the Jesuit missionaries and the colonization of Baja. The church, recently restored with its bell tower rising high above the center of town, is representative of the living history, roots and culture of Loreto.

San Javier Mission

Two years after the establishment of the Mission of Our Lady of Loreto, as missionaries and pioneers further settled the region, a Sicilian priest arrived at the bay of Loreto. There, approximately 23 miles west of Loreto, Padre Francesco Piccolo founded the second oldest mission, the Mission of San Javier. In 1703, after a series of native attacks on the mission, it was abandoned.

Later that year, Father Juan de Ugarte took charge of the mission and began to implement practices that are still alive and well in Baja California, such as the construction of dams and irrigation channels, the introduction of trades such as weaving of wool, beekeeping and cheese-making and the growth of grapes which initiated the wine industry that flourishes in this region today.

Against the unspoiled backdrop of the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains, this beautiful, well-preserved church is set high in a lush mountain valley below soaring volcanic walls. Since its construction in 1744, the church has never been renovated and continues to host hundreds of religious pilgrims from around the world each year that pay homage to the mission's patron saints and come to view the golden retablo (altarpiece) that has remained preserved.

Today

The establishment of these two missions became the foundation for the network of the 17 California missions that are in existence today in Baja, stretching from Loreto to San Francisco. Their contributions to the Baja California Sur region and beyond are celebrated in Loreto annually with the Festival of Our Lady of Loreto in September and the Jesuits Missions Festival in late October. Travelers interested in visiting the Mission of Our Lady of Loreto or the Mission of San Javier can visit www.gotoloreto.com for more information.

Known as a relaxing retreat destination, Loreto offers travelers an opportunity to explore ecological, historical and cultural attractions while indulging in the destinations tranquil ambiance. Eco-tourists, families, honeymooners, mature travelers, artists, and others will enjoy discovering Loreto, Baja California Sur. For more information about Baja California Sur call (877) MY-BAJA SUR or visit www.mybajasur.com.

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