MISIÓN DE SAN FRANCISCO DE BORJA ADAC (1762 – 1818)

This mission site, named by the Cochimí Adac indians, was discovered since the year 1758 by priest Jorge Retz, a missionary from Santa Gertrudis, who immediately incorporated it to its mission as a visit site, thus starting to evangelize the region.
 
The first church was made from adobe. After expelling the Jesuitas from Mexico, Franciscano priests, headed by Fray Junípero Serra, established themselves here for five years, building a portico made of cantera stone in 1773, which still bears the code with the Franciscan monks’ emblem on the supported arch.

Later on in 1776, Dominico priests began to build a majestic construction with cantera stone that still exists nowadays. The mission was abandoned in 1818, after the extinction of the Cochimí indians, mainly due to diseases brought from Europe. 

Throughout the state of  Baja California, there are a few buildings that greatly honor missionary architecture, and the religious faith symbols such as the Misión de San Francisco de Borja-Adac.

What may I find

You may find its magnificent cantera stone temple which is still in good condition. The construction includes the church, missionary rooms, kitchen and a mill. The first adobe construction is also there. It is remarkable that this mission is the only one with a stone spiral stairway throughout the peninsula.

How to get there

It is located 35 kilometers away the Nuevo Rosarito village; at 168 Km.  south of Cataviña and 93 Km. north of  Guerrero Negro by the Transpeninsular Highway Num. 1. Departing from Nuevo Rosarito, take the unpaved road for 35 Km. towards northeast. It is [located] at 635 km. to south if departing from  Tijuana. Another access is by taking the unpaved detour located just before getting to Bahía de los Ángeles which is a 33 Km. road usually in good condition.

Important

Take care on unpaved roads towards the Misión and cave paintings, as well as  to other sites of such zone, thus we highly recommend you: driving a high 4 X 4 vehicle, taking plenty of water and food, first aid  and basic mechanical equipment along with a spare tire and, if possible, hiring a local guide in Guerrero Negro or Bahía de los Ángeles.