Mission San Diego de Alcala, in San Diego, California, was the first Franciscan mission in the Alta California region of New Spain. It was founded in 1769 by Spanish friar Junipero Serra in an area long inhabited by the Kumeyaay Indians. The mission and the surrounding area were named for the Catholic Saint Didacus, a Spaniard more commonly known as San Diego. The mission was the site of the first Christian burial in Alta California. San Diego is also generally regarded as the site of the region's first public execution, in 1778. Father Luis Jayme, "California's First Christian Martyr," lies entombed beneath the chancel floor. The current church is the fourth to stand on this location.[2]
Location:
10818 San Diego Mission Road
San Diego, CA 92108
Phone:
619-281-8449
| Name as Founded | La Misión San Diego de Alcalá |
| English Translation | The Mission of Saint Didacus of Alcala |
| Founding Date | July 16, 1769 |
| Founding Order | First |