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Photos: Mission San Miguel Arcángel

A brick and mortar arch serves as the entrance to Mission San Miguel Arcángel. Established on July 25, 1797, by Franciscan monks, the site was chosen for its proximity to large numbers of native Salinan Indians, whom the Spanish priests wanted to evangelize.

A brick and mortar arch serves as the entrance to Mission San Miguel Arcángel. Established on July 25, 1797, by Franciscan monks, the site was chosen for its proximity to large numbers of native Salinan Indians, whom the Spanish priests wanted to evangelize.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Historians say this is the only California mission with its original interior paint --boldly colorful designs that were probably applied before 1821 by Native Americans. The designs survived a 2003 earthquake, which prompted years of reconstruction.

San Miguel Arcángel, 16th mission, 1797

Detail of a door at Mission San Miguel Arcángel. The mission was damaged in the San Simeon Earthquake and reopened in 2009 after six years of restoration work.   (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

San Miguel Arcángel, 16th mission, 1797

A couple enters the mission’s church for Mass as the moon sets over the horizon.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

San Miguel Arcángel, 16th mission, 1797

A water flower blooms in a fountain at the entrance to Mission San Miguel Arcángel.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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San Miguel Arcángel, 16th mission, 1797

The stairs leading to the choir loft at Mission San Miguel Arcángel are colorfully painted.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

San Miguel Arcángel, 16th mission, 1797

A wooden gate at the mission.   (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

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