HISTORICAL
ARCHITECTURE
Loreto has two important
historic monuments that reflect the
city?s religious and colonial past in their simple yet significant architecture.
Mision de San Javier ? Located
32 km
(20 mi) southeast of Loreto, off the state
highway. This was Baja California?s second mission and was founded
by Jesuit friars more than 300 years ago. It includes a church
and a parsonage. The most striking
features of the church are the baroque façade,
the arched colonial doorway and the
stained-glass windows. Inside you?ll see finely
sculptured baroque-style altarpieces. Open daily from
8:00 to 7:00.
Mision de Nuestra Señora de Loreto ? Located
at Plaza Salvatierra. This is the most
symbolic mission of the Loreto congregation.
The edifice has a stone baroque-style
façade with simple pilasters. The mission houses a collection of 17th- and 18th-century paintings. Also inside you?ll see
a sculpture of Our Lady of Loreto. Open daily from
7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
