Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad

Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad was built in 1791 and is the 13th of the 21 California missions. It was named for Our Lady of Solitude. It may be hard to believe now, but Soledad Mission's lands once shared a border with those of Mission San Carlos Borromeo in Carmel. Soledad Mission's property also contained a large vineyard, perhaps the forerunner of Soledad wine country.

The Museum Chapel that stands today was built in 1828 and restored in 1954. The museum, open daily except Tuesdays, is free; fundraisers and donations make continued restoration efforts possible. At the rear of the quadrangle, the ruins of the original adobe can be seen.

If you're planning a California mission vacation, don't miss the well-preserved Mission San Antonio de Padua, about 40 miles south in Jolon, or the Mission San Carlos Borromeo, about 50 miles west in Carmel-by-the-Sea.