Mission of Our Lady of Loreto
Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó
The first Spanish mission in Baja California, founded in 1697 and called the 'Mother of the California Missions'. It is still in use today.
Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó was founded in 1697 by the Jesuit missionary Salvatierra. It was the first permanent mission in the whole of Baja and Alta California. The chain of missions that later moved up the peninsula all the way to San Francisco began here, which is why it is called the 'Mother of the California Missions'. The present stone church was built in the 1740s, with a plain white façade, a bell tower and a gilded altar inside. Admission to the church is free; please keep quiet during Mass. Next to the church is the mission museum, and the town's main square and pedestrian streets are nearby, all walkable.
Opening hours
Approx. 07:00–20:00 (please do not walk around or visit during Mass)
Nearby sights
- Museum of the Jesuit Missions
- Malecón de Loreto
- Isla Coronado
- Playa Juncalito
- Isla del Carmen
- Tabor Canyon
- Isla Danzante
- Mission San Francisco Javier