The citizens of Todos Santos, Mexico, are proud of their heritage being notably marked by Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church. This religious building reflects on an earlier time when Spain asserted its hold on the territory by establishing missions. Visit the church that contains many period furnishings from the 18th century.
In 1723, a search was conducted to find a support mission area, or visita, to the main mission in La Paz about 50 miles (80 kilometers) away. The area that is now Todos Santos was chosen for its agricultural benefits and the presence of an indigenous people, the Pericu, who were extensively used for labor. Imagine the fields of corn and sugar cane that were grown in the area. Ten years later the visita became the mission of Santa Rosa de Todos Santos with its own resident missionary.
Meanwhile, the mission in La Paz, Nuestra Señora del Pilar, closed after some time and the name transferred to this one. Although the building in Todos Santos is not the original but an adobe reproduction, every effort was made to accurately duplicate the first one. Tour the building to admire the architecture and the mission church’s contents, including a statue of the Virgin of Pilar. Step outside to appreciate the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the ocean.
Enjoy the tranquility of the plaza beside the church. Across the street, step onto the Tropic of Cancer, which is indicated by a marker. Note the many other fine buildings around and near the square, including the intimate Teatro Cine General Manuel Márquez de León which has frequent shows.
Visit Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church throughout the week. A guided tour is included in the admission fee. Discover the circumstances of the church as the cornerstone of Todos Santos and an important component of Mexico’s Baja California Sur.
