History of Guadalajara
History of Mérida
History of Oaxaca
Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
History of Guadalajara
History of Mérida
History of Oaxaca
Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
THE DEPARTURE POINT OF THE RENOWNED FRAY JUNÍPERO SERRA TO UPPER CALIFORNIA
Pre-Hispanic Era
Loreto is considered the oldest human settlement in the Baja California peninsula, with a history dating back 12,000 years.
Currently, extraordinary cave paintings and petroglyphs can be observed in regions close to the tourist developments.
These paintings are spectacular murals painted on rocks, depicting semi-human forms and animals in scenes that may represent ritual ceremonies, pilgrimages, hunts, or battles. All these drawings are made larger than life-size.
In more recent times, the territory was inhabited by the Cochimí and Guaycura tribes and was known as Conchó. These early settlers were nomadic and lived in the lush canyons, making use of the abundant marine resources and wildlife in the mountains of the Sierra de la Giganta.
Colonial Era
During the Spanish conquest, for over 150 years, there were unsuccessful attempts to penetrate California. It was not until October 19, 1697, when the Jesuit priest Juan María Salvatierra arrived in these lands, after obtaining licenses from his religious superiors and the Viceroy of New Spain and seeking benefactors. Six days later, on the 25th, the image of Our Lady of Loreto, still venerated there today, was enthroned, and the mission that bears her name came into existence. On this date, the ceremony of possession was performed in the name of the Catholic King of Spain.
This was the first mission established in the California area and consisted of a church, several buildings, a fortress, and a garrison barracks. From that legacy, the old temple, the converted rural house now a museum, and the municipal building still stand.
Historia de Loreto
The Jesuit constructions were made with foresight. They are not weak or temporary structures but rather splendid fortresses with walls made of carved stone. They all stand out for the solidity of their construction and their integration with the environment.
With the establishment of the mission, Loreto became the starting point for colonizing the entire northern California region.
From this mission, in 1769, the famous Fray Junípero Serra set off for the port of San Diego, where the first mission of Upper California was founded. Thus, the Franciscans created a chain of missions, reaching the ports of Monterey and San Francisco.
The asymmetrical relationship with the Native Californians led to a drastic demographic decline that, within a few years, nearly wiped them out. The main causes were the smallpox epidemics among the indigenous population.
19th century
The mother mission of the Californias fell into a clear decline due to a series of adversities. Its population continued to dwindle. In the early 19th century, hurricanes and earthquakes further affected it. On the other hand, the establishment of a permanent population at the port of La Paz led to the transfer of the capital of Baja California to that place in 1829.
Modern Era
In 1976, the expropriations that gave rise to the Loreto Project by FONATUR were carried out, dividing it into a tourist zone in Nopoló and an urban zone in the town of Loreto.
Today, over 300 years after its foundation, Loreto remains rich in history and full of natural wonders to discover. It is an exciting tourist destination with modern infrastructure.
NATURAL BEAUTY, HISTORY AND CAVE PAINTINGS
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