The mission's original location was near the Guadalupe River, but frequent flooding forced it to relocate to higher ground twice.
The mission houses a wooden cross from the original 1777 founding, which is displayed near the entrance.
It is the only California mission to be located on the grounds of a Jesuit university.
Three of the bells at the mission were donated by King Carlos IV of Spain in 1798 and remain in use today.
The site includes a cemetery where early missionaries, indigenous residents, and settlers are interred.
The 1928 structure was designed to replicate the mission's 1825 church architecture.
The mission was once the site of a significant agricultural operation, producing wheat and cattle for the local region.
It was the first California mission to be named after a woman, Saint Clare of Assisi.
Mission Santa Clara de Asís is the eighth mission founded in California and the only one situated on a university campus. Established in 1777 by Father Junípero Serra, the current structure is a replica built in 1928 following a fire that destroyed the previous iteration. It serves as the spiritual center for Santa Clara University, integrating religious heritage with an active academic environment. The grounds feature a preserved adobe wall from the 1820s, which is one of the few original surviving physical elements. The interior preserves original bells gifted by the King of Spain in 1798. The mission has relocated multiple times throughout its history due to flooding and earthquakes before settling at its current site. It functions as both a parish church and a university chapel, hosting regular services and student ceremonies.
The mission courtyard and the exterior facade at the entrance to the rose garden.
Check the university chapel schedule before arriving to ensure the church is not closed for a private student event or mass.
Walk the perimeter of the rose garden to view the original adobe wall segments.
Visit the de Saisset Museum located adjacent to the mission to see historical artifacts from the mission period.
Do not attempt to park in reserved university faculty or student-only parking zones; use designated visitor lots.
Occasional closures may occur due to university-specific events, weddings, or liturgical holidays; check the university calendar.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor as this is an active place of worship; avoid photography during scheduled masses.
