4.- Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario de Viñadaco

This mission was explored initially by the Franciscan monks around 1771. It was in June 1774 that this missionary point was finally settled and organized, friars Vicente Balda and Juan Salgado were it's caretakers. For approximately 30 years, the Mission of Nuestra Señora del Rosario occupied this site.

In 1802 the missionary point was moved to the opposite side of the valley (roughly 3 kilometers away from the pacific ocean) after the spring close to them dried up. They were able to grow many crops, among them wheat, corn, beans, figs and grapevines. They were also able to have livestock production, which consisted of cattle, horses, sheep, goats and pigs.

5.- San Fernando de Velicatá

This point is located north of the Santa Maria de Los Angeles, on Febuary 14th 1769, the missionary Sierra founded the missionary point of San Fernando Velicatá. Father Miguel de la Campa took care of this mission, staying for 4 years in it, during this period the buildings were erected and they conditioned the valley so they could grow crops.

Approximately 300 members of the Cochimi tribe were baptized by Campa and many of them received religious instruction during the Franciscan occupation. Sadly several epidemics struck the mission, among them the black pox, these severely damaged the community reducing their numbers significantly, which is why the mission was abandoned shortly after.

6.- San Francisco de Borja Adac

It was discovered by the Missionary Jorge Regz in the year 1758, four years later, the Jesuit Father Wenceslao Link, found the mission there in honor of an ancestor of doña Maria de Borja, duchess of Bejar and Gandia, who provided the funds necessary to establish the point. It is because of this that the site is known as San Francisco de Borja (adding the Adac mainly because of the established site).

After the Jesuits were run out in 1768, Franciscan Fermin Francisco Lasuén took charge of the missionary point until the year 1771. This point was functional until 1818. This region farmed corn, barley, wheat, chickpea and grapevines, supported by the natural spring water. There are several important remains of the missionary point, such as the cemetery, a lime burning reservoir, as well as the main building itself.

7. Santa Gertrudis La Magna

It is located in the middle of the central desert of the Peninsula of Baja California, it was an important settlement for the Cochimi tribe, which is why Jesuit Missionaries, led by Fernando Consag, decided to settle in this region after exploring it in 1751.

The stone building which still stands to this day, was built during the administration of the Dominican monks during 1786; of their first buildings which were erected during the time when Jesuit monks occupied, there are only foundations and the remains of 3 cemeteries and sections of walls. During 1990 there were still sections of the watering canals and objects of the church such as a confessional, two reliquaries and two altar saints. This mission was abandoned in 1822 due to the thinning of the indigenous population.

Remember that the missionary route intersects with some wineries, so if you decide to explore this route you can stop by and have some quality Baja California wine, to take full advantage of the enriching tour that will open your eyes to the state's treasures. For more information about these tours, visit our friends' website "5 Star Tours" who will provide you with an amazing experience, with convenient locations in San Diego and Tijuana.

Jorge.Guevara@sandiegored.com