The Spanish Missions of California

Spain founded a chain of twenty-one missions in Alta California (California) in the late 18th century. The two missions pictured here are in Los Angeles County. Mission San Gabriel (left) was founded in 1771 and Mission San Fernando (right) in 1797. Both missions served as religious/military/agricultural centers until Mexico lost possession of them to the United States following the 1848 Mexican-American War. Both missions now serve their respective communities as Catholic churches, parochial schools, museums, and document centers. Located in busy suburbs of greater Los Angeles, these lovely buildings offer a quiet respite from the hustle-bustle of urban living within their quiet, walled interior courtyards.  
San Gabriel Mission: Canon EOS T21; 1/250s; F10; ISO:100; f=21.00mm, no flash.
San Fernando Mission: Canon EOS T21; 1/100s; F10; ISO:100; f=27.00mm, no flash.
Both images edited with GIMP 2.8 and complied and further edited with Zoner Photo Studio 15.