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Historic center · Todos Santos, Baja California Sur
Centro histórico e Misión de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
The village of adobe houses around the plaza and the mission church founded in 1723, with galleries and the cultural center.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Centro histórico e Misión de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
Todos Santos was founded as a Jesuit mission in 1723 by Jaime Bravo, named Santa Rosa de las Palmas, and renamed the following year as Nuestra Señora del Pilar. Spring water allowed sugarcane cultivation, and in the 19th century the village had mills and merchants' houses.
The center preserves those adobe and brick houses, with high ceilings and large windows, many restored as art galleries, cafés, inns and craft shops. The church of Nuestra Señora del Pilar faces the plaza, and the Profesor Néstor Agúndez Cultural Center, in a former school, has murals and a small exhibition on local history.
The town also became known for the Hotel California, an old hotel on the main street whose name matches the Eagles' song. The band and the hotel reached an agreement in court, and the hotel has no relation to the song.
Todos Santos hosts art and film festivals at certain times of year. The patron saint celebration, for the Virgin of the Pillar, is in October.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours.
Best time
From late morning to late afternoon, when the galleries are open. Summer is hot; choose the cooler hours.
How to get there
In the center of Todos Santos, about an hour from Cabo San Lucas and La Paz via Highway 19.
Tip
Visit the Néstor Agúndez Cultural Center to understand the village's history before seeing the galleries.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Centro histórico e Misión de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
When was the mission of Todos Santos founded?
In 1723, by the Jesuit Jaime Bravo. The following year it became known as Nuestra Señora del Pilar.
What to see in the center of Todos Santos?
The church and the plaza, the adobe houses with galleries, and the Néstor Agúndez Cultural Center.
When is the festival of Todos Santos?
The patron saint celebration, for the Virgin of the Pillar, is in October.