Wonders of the Cental Coast: Carmel Mission

Founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1770, the Carmel Mission or Mission San Carlos Borromo del Ro Carmelo stands today as a testament to California’s rich Spanish history.

Authentically resorted and maintained over the years, it is also a National Historic Landmark and still to this day, a functioning church. But amongst everything else, in an old chapel on the mission grounds, you’ll find the Jo Mora Gallery.

“The cenotaph that’s in back of me is a tribute that was created by Jo Mora in honor of Father Junpero Serra,” explained the Jo Mora Trust Curator, Peter Hiller.

While a cenotaph may look similar to a sarcophagus, there is a difference.

“A sarcophagus would have a body entombed in it, a cenotaph does not. A cenotaph is designed as a memorial and a monument,” said Hiller.

Mora, an artist and sculptor gladly accepted the commission to create the cenotaph for the mission in 1920.

“Jo actually built a studio here on the mission grounds to work on this project and it began with plaster models of the different figures,” Hiller said. “He then worked out how the travertine marble base would be created as well as the bronze plaques that are on the side.”

While Mora worked on the piece, it became so much more.

“As the design elements developed throughout the piece, he embraced California history as well.”

Finally, after four years of hard work, the memorial was dedicated, inspiring reverence in visitors to this day.

“I do definitely feel that this is one of the Wonders of the Central Coast,” said Hiller. “I think the mission is general. I think it speaks richly to the history of California.”

Got an idea of another Wonder of the Central Coast that Dann should check out? Email him at danncianca@kionrightnow.com.