Double Take: Spanish Architecture and a Botanical Garden

Garden and fountain at Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo

As I was driving to Carmel-by-the-Sea on California’s coastline earlier this month, I came upon one of the 21 missions that dot the Golden State along El Camino Real, and which I’d somehow missed seeing until now. The sun was low in the sky and the grounds were about to close, but I decided to make the most of an unplanned visit. I learned that the Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo was first built in 1791 and is considered to be one of the most authentically restored Roman Catholic mission churches in California. You can read more about its history on this Wikipedia page.

Carmel mission statue

The basilica, statues, plants and trees are photogenic in every direction, though I was most drawn to the campanile (bell tower) as seen in photograph Carmelo Mission Campanile, and which is available for sale.

Carmelo Mission Campanile

I never did make it to the beach that day, but stumbling upon such rich history and gorgeous architecture & gardens was a reminder to be open to the unexpected. I left the mission deeply inspired by its beauty and longevity.

If you would like to bring the beauty of the Carmel mission into your own home, you can purchase a print in various sizes in my online store.

Happy travels.