This exquisite church altar with its colorful painting and pilasters is just one beautiful reason why this 1820 mission is called, “The Queen of the Alta California Missions.” Beneath the crucifix is a statue of Saint Barbara. She was beheaded by her father in the 3rd century for refusing to denounce her Christian faith. The other statues are (clockwise) the Virgin Mary, Joseph, St. Dominic and St. Francis.
