Mission San Carlos Borromeo del río Carmelo, also known as the Carmel Mission or Mission Carmel, is a Roman Catholic mission church It is on the National Register of Historic Places and a U.S. National Historic Landmark. The mission was the headquarters of the Alta California missions headed by Saint Junípero Serra from 1770 until his death in 1784.
The mission buildings and lands were secularized by the Mexican government in 1833, and had fallen into disrepair by the mid-19th century. They were partially restored beginning in 1884. In 1886 it was transferred from the Franciscans to the local diocese and has continued as a parish church since then. It is the only one of the California Missions to have its original bell tower dome.
The Carmel mission church is one of the most authentically restored of all the mission churches in California.
Out to the gardens.
The Cemetery is to the right of the Basilica as you are facing the front of the Basilica. In particular, note the use of shells to outline the various graves. At the entrance you will also see a cross.
The museums.
