El Presidio

This five and a half acre El Presidio fortress is walkable from downtown Santa Barbara, and is the last Spanish presidio (fortress) built during Spain's occupation of Alta California.

See the original family soldier residences at El Cuartel (1782), the oldest building in Santa Barbara. The Canedo Adobe (1782) is also open to the public, and functioned as an officers' quarters. The other buildings have been reconstructed, and include the Padre's Quarters, Comandante's Quarters, chapel, bell tower and cocina.

1. El Presidio Visitor Center.

The Visitor Center is in the Canedo Adobe (1782) on E Canon Perdido Street, and has historic exhibits on the Presidio, a gift shop, and maps. This adobe is the third oldest in California, and originally housed a Presidio solder, Jose Maria Canedo. Today it's only one of two original buildings at the Presidio.

2. Chapel.

Masses were held in the chapel, up until 1850. Some of Santa Barbara's earliest citizens are buried beneath the floor here.

3. Padre's Quarters.

Statue of King Carlos III.

4. Comandancia

This is where the Presidio's Commandant lived. Today you can see a living room and study. There's also an aquaduct inside the defence wall.

The viaduct is visible here.

5. El Cuartel.

This is across Santa Barbara Street, and was used as family residence for a soldier guarding western gate. It's one of only two original structures at the Presidio. Today you can see a working loom inside.