San Luis Rey was built midway between the popular missions of San Diego and San Juan Capistrano to accommodate the rapidly growing convert population. It was the last mission founded by Padre Serra's successor Padre Lasuén, and was christened in honor of Louis IX, king of France and patron of the Franciscan order. Situated on six acres of land, the largest area covered by a mission, the mission church itself was the biggest building in California until the 1850s. San Luis Rey also served the largest population of neophytes (over 2700) raised over 50,000 head of livestock, and was known, appropriately, as the "King Of The Missions."

Eighteenth Mission Built

Founded:
June 13, 1798

Location:
4050 Mission Avenue
San Luis Rey

MAP TO MISSION &
DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS

LIMITED FINE ART EDITION
"San Luis Rey Reflection"