Secrets of Mission Architecture (Part 2): Dr. Rubén G. Mendoza

California Frontier - A History Podcast

In part 2 of this interview, we delve further into the hidden astronomical alignments of many California mission churches. The orientations allowed sunlight to illuminate altars, tabernacles, and statues of saints on specific liturgical dates like the solstices, equinoxes, and religious feasts.
Dr. Rubén G. Mendoza explains the advanced knowledge of astronomy, calendars, and celestial mechanics that the Franciscan missionaries brought and applied in the architectural design of the missions.

Rubén describes how the illuminations shift yearly due to the lunar cycle and explains why this knowledge was, at times, lost. His quest to rediscover these hidden spectacles took him to Vatican astronomy archives, containing meticulous calculations from centuries ago.

He talks about how his interpretations have faced backlash, and how new examples keep emerging. He continues to write about the missions' complex legacies and offer counterpoints to narratives about figures like Junípero Serra.
Learn More

• Website: Solstice Chronicles

Books by Rubén G. Mendoza

• The California Missions
• The California Missions Sourcebook
• The Spanish Style House: From Enchanted Andalusia to California Dream
• Casa Santa Fe: Design, Style, Arts and Tradition
• North American Ritual Warfare and Indigenous Violence
• Latin American Indigenous Warfare and Ritual Violence

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