United States >
California >
Los Angeles County >
San Gabriel
Exterior view of the western end of Mission San Gabriel Arcangel, which shows a cross above the church entrance, a rectangular window directly over the door, as well as two empty niches on either side of it. An exterior staircase can be seen on the left corner, which leads to the choir loft. The Moorish influence of the mission is evidenced by the Buttressed walls, vaulted roof, and fortress-like appearance. The walls are original and are over four feet thick, with sections through the buttresses as much as seven feet thick. Architecturally, the San Gabriel Mission is unique among the California Missions.