San Carlos De Borromeo
Doorway, San Carlos De Borromeo
Fountain Detail
Gateway to Cemetery
There was nothing in the original plans of the missions to name one after St. Francis, the founder of the Franciscan Order. The Mexican Visitador said, “If Saint Francis wishes a mission, let him show you a good port, and let it bear his name.” When Portolá discovered San Francisco Bay he decided that it was the place the Visitador meant, but it was not until seven years later that the Mission San Francisco de Asís was founded. It was commonly called Dolores after a small river that flowed through the Mission grounds. It is quite different in its architecture from the other missions. It has neither archway nor towers but a massive façade. Today it stands in quiet simplicity, surrounded on all sides by modern buildings of the Catholic Church.
Bell Tower, San Carlos De Borromeo