Also known as the Plaza, was a work area and the heart of Mission life. Three zanjas (water channels) ran through Mission grounds and under the west wing into the Industrial area. Fr. O'Sillivan built the Moorish-style fountain. dedicated to the Four Evangelist, and planted most of the trees in the 1920's. Most of t he Mission's concerts and special events tak place here. This one of the many beautiful flowers in the Mission's garden, visited by hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, geckos I've seen and many more, plus the tourist that comes year round. The beautiful fountain's image will be posted soon to get a good view point of Mission San Juan Capistrano.
This is also where the little birds wing their way back to the most famous Mission in California, the village of San Juan Capistrano takes on a fiesta air and the visitors from all parts of the world, and all walks of life, gather in great numbers to witness the "miracle" of the return of the swallows.
After the summer spent within the sheltered walls of the Old Mission in San Juan Capistrano, the swallows take flight again, and on the Day of San Juan, October 23, they leave after circling the Mission bidding farewell to the "JEWEL OF ALL MISSIONS".
San Juan Capistrano, California
September 27, 2012
