Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Named for a French saint of the 13th century, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa (Bishop of Toulouse) is often called the "Prince of Missions." In order to repel the flaming arrows of unfriendly American Indians, the mission adopted the tile roof approach, in preference to the easy but flammable thatch roofs that were popular among Spanish Missions.

In 1772, Father Junipero Serra founded Mission San Luis Obispo De Tolosa near the banks of San Luis Obispo Creek. Today, the Old Mission still holds regular services, and is the focus for the citys most cherished public open spaceMission Plaza. It consists of a two-block area with a large public plaza, seating areas, and pathways between the Mission and businesses on the opposite side of the Creek. The plaza has continued to grow and evolve in phases over the last two decades. The mission and its gardens are open daily except for New Years Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.