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Borromeo del Rio Carmelo Mission

3080 Rio Road, Carmel, CA 93923
831-624-1271
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Ranked #7 of 30 attractions in Carmel
Type: Missions, Religious Sites, Architectural Buildings, Historic Sites
Activities: Hiking, Group tours/walking tour
Owner description: Established in 1771, this Spanish mission is one of the most beautiful in the state and worth a visit for its serene aura. The mission includes a... more » Owner description: Established in 1771, this Spanish mission is one of the most beautiful in the state and worth a visit for its serene aura. The mission includes a working church, gardens and interior exhibits. « less
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116 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    77
    22
    15
    0
    2
Date Rating
Belfast, United Kingdom
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
46 helpful votes 46 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 27, 2013

The drive down from Monterey along the 17 mile Drive is pretty but the site of the mission is stunning. The gardens are wonderful, filled with plants I can only dream about coming from a much colder and wetter clime. Obviously well cared for and well maintained. There is construction work at the moment but that does not inhibit appreciation... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Carmel, California
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 15, 2013

This mission must be the most beautifully restored one of them all. I love it for its beauty, its serene quality and its historical significance.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 4 more reviews by Monica H for Carmel
Saddle River, New Jersey
Top Contributor
63 reviews 63 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 18, 2013

Follow the story of Franciscan friar Junipero Serra who set up the Mission in the 18th century, and the Native Americans who joined the Mission and provided labor for its construction. Lovely church and museum.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 4 more reviews by Henri C for Carmel
Silver Spring, Maryland
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 27, 2013

Definitely worth a stop. There is much history here and the grounds (some of which are under construction) are beautiful.

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See 6 more reviews by Frank M for Carmel
Cannon Beach Or
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 25, 2013

Well worth a couple of hours during your visit to Carmel. The Mission's history, numerous artifacts and the grounds make for a very educational and enjoyable visit. It is in need of repair but the ongoing work does seem to be making headway. We were fortunate to be in the company of practicing Catholics on our second visit and they... More

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See 2 more reviews by erroni for Carmel
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed February 22, 2013

Lovely mission but in such need of repair......renovation doesn't allow for much enjoyment of the site. No docents at all on our visits. Gift shop crowded and clerks who simply ring up. Was hoping for more engaged and passionate people to help us through the visit. We realize that these are probably all volunteers and their service is appreciated. We... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by Nancy M for Carmel
Sacramento, California
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 16, 2013

There is much to see and do in central Carmel: Shopping at unique and one of a kind boutiques, visiting the art galleries and eating at the amazing restaurants and of course playing on the beach. However it should be considered a must to visit the Carmel mission known as Borromeo del Rio Carmelo Mission and Basilica. As of this... More

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Monterey, California
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 7, 2013

Excellent restoration being made---if they do as good a job as was done at San Carlos Cathedral in Monterey, they will have recreaated a gem.

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
See 4 more reviews by CaPalm for Carmel
Pawleys Island, South Carolina
Top Contributor
479 reviews 479 reviews
106 attraction reviews
Reviews in 100 cities Reviews in 100 cities
186 helpful votes 186 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 2, 2013

A testiment to his determination and a faithful (no pun intended) restoration in progress to the structure as it first appeared. Pope JP II visited and there is evident of the place he prayed. Museum is interesting in a self guided tour, grounds are pretty but one can appreciate the spartan and austere life these early pioneers had and the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Central California, United States
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 24, 2013

This Mission has been beautifully preserved and is an active parish in the Mission chain. The history is almost overwhelming - as alot of it isn't pleasant, which seems to be a common denominator in all the Mission's stories.

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See 2 more reviews by bb8996 for Carmel

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