Statues of Junípero Serra, Bronze statue at Mission San Buenaventura, Ventura, United States
The statue of the mission founder stands approximately 10 feet tall and depicts the figure in Franciscan robes holding a book, rosary, and walking stick. It sits in the mission garden with a bronze surface that has developed a weathered patina over time.
The original concrete statue was created in 1936 and replaced with a bronze version in 1989. This change reflects efforts to preserve a lasting monument honoring the region's missionary history.
The statue honors the founder of the mission and marks his role in shaping California's colonial past. It serves as a focal point where visitors can reflect on how this figure influenced the region's religious and cultural development.
The monument is located within the mission grounds and is easily accessible through the garden areas. Visitors can view it during the mission's regular visiting hours and explore the surrounding mission context.
Local wood carvers created a wooden replica of the original deteriorating concrete statue to serve as a model for the current bronze version. This handcrafted intermediate step shows how traditional skills played a role in restoring the historical monument.
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