The Mission San Diego de Alcalá is California’s first mission and was founded on July 16, 1769 by St. Junípero Serra, a Franciscan priest. The Mission was relocated to the present site in 1774 in order to be closer to the American Indian (Kumeyaay) villages, a reliable source of water, and good land for farming. The present mission church was named a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI in the bicentennial year of 1976. Today, it serves as an active parish for the Catholic community and as a cultural center for people of all faiths who are most welcome to visit the mission. Self-guided tours, docent-led tours, and a gift shop all help to make your visit a memorable one.