Solvang - Old Mission Santa Ines

History

Only after a long pause in what had been a hectic period of building activity did the 19th mission appear, roughly on the site where the Danish township of Solvang is today. The name comes from St Agnes (Spanish Santa Ines), and appears in its Spanish form in the naming of the Santa Ynez mountain chain and of the valley of the same name.

The original building was a victim of the 1812 earthquake. Subsequently, a second building went up in the years 1813-17, but was damaged in the Indian uprising kindled in the mission of La Purisma Concepcion 25mi/40km away. Restoration started in 1904 but was restricted to the church, bell-tower and a part of the inner courtyard. Santa Ines is one of the smallest mission stations; perhaps this is where its special charm lies.

Location

1760 Mission Drive, Solvang, via the CA 154 about 33mi/53km north of Santa Barbara or via the U.S. 101 about 43mi/70km.