- The mission was founded on June 3rd, 1770 in Monterrey, California. It was named after the archbishop of Milan, Charles Borromeo. In 1771, it was moved to its present location in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Founded by Father Serra, he is now buried at the church under the alter. By 1836, mission life had been destroyed and the mission was secularized. In 1884, restoration started. In 1931, Harry Dowdie came to Carmel as a layman and curator to restore the mission. He dedicated his life to the California Missions, working on several restoration projects until his death in 1980.
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Not only functioning as an active Parrish as part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Monterrey, it is a museum that shows not only the history of the mission, but of the local region. Their are four museum galleries; the Harry Downie Museum, the Munras Family Heritage Museum, the Jo Mora Chapel Gallery and the Convento Museum.
The mission is also host to Junipero Serra School, lectures, concerts, art exhibits and community activities. -
The Architecture of the Mission San Carlos Borromeo De Carmelo is different than all the others in the chain.
The stone church has a Moorish influence, showcasing a bell tower with an outdoor stairwell. It features an catenary arch, rather than the usual flat ceilings. - The Mission San Carlos Borromeo De Carmelo plays a significant part of Californian history. It was the first location in California of a Catholic Confirmation. It was a headquarters of the Catholic Church, and was responsible for converting the native population to Christianity. At one time it was the largest mission.
- Some notable religious people are buried in the church and churchyard. They include Juan Crespí (1721--1782 Spanish missionary and explorer), Fermín Lasuén (1736--1803 Spanish missionary), José Antonio Roméu (Spanish governor of California) and Junípero Serra (1713--1784 founder of the mission).
