Friday, March 30, 2001

Limit: 47 people

This tour is not wheelchair accessible

San Juan Capistrano is the birthplace of Orange County and home to its oldest traditions. Most of that history is epitomized by the beautiful and best known of the California missions, San Juan Capistrano. Architecture buffs will be amazed as they walk through 200 years of architecture in the city. The San Juan Capistrano Public Library, designed by renowned architect Michael Graves, is a fine example of postmodern architecture.

The day will begin with an architectural walking tour led by docents from the Friends of the Library. The 90-minute walk, which includes adobes, Spanish-era dwellings, and streamline moderne buildings, covers about a mile on level ground. Lunch will be at the 1894 Capistrano Train Depot. The depot and tracks are still in use, both for freight and commuters from L.A. Free time will be available to explore the many unique shops and antique stores around town.

In the afternoon we will visit Mission San Juan Capistrano. You will hear the tolling of its centuries-old bells and walk down its time-worn paths. You’ll probably see plenty of the famous swallows as they normally begin arriving around March 19, St. Joseph’s Day. Founded by Padre Junipero Serra on November 1, 1776, today it is one of California’s most important cultural and educational centers.