San Deigo Historic Site 243 PALA MISSION

San Antonio de Pala is the only one of the Franciscan outposts of Spanish Californiastill a mission to the Indians. It is also unique in its bell tower being separate from the church and in the interior of the church having been decorated by Indian artists, in the old mission way.

Pala began as a rancho of San Luis Rey, but in 1816 the chapel was commenced.Until that time services had been held for the Indians in a brush ramada. Nevermore than an asistencia, or sub-station, of San Luis Rey, Pala was served byFranciscans sent from that mission. Secularization caused the abandoning of Pala. Earthquakes and the flood of 1916, which brought the campanile down, reduced the establishment to ruins.

Restoration has made Pala one of the most impressive historic monuments in the county. The presence of Indians, who carry on some of their ancient ceremonies at certain seasons, heighten the visitor's interest.