The Valley

The Mission of Saint Clare of Assisi was founded on January 12, 1777 and named for Clare of Assisi, the founder of the order of the Poor Clares. Mission sits on the campus of the Santa Clara University. After a 1925 fire destroyed the 1828 mission structure, the church's parochial functions were transferred to St. Clare Parish Church, on Lexington Street west of the campus. A rebuilt and restored Mission Santa Clara was consecrated in 1929, when it assumed its primary modern function as chapel and centerpiece of the university campus. It is open to visitors every day. The Mission museum is located in the university's De Saisset Museum.