Religious, Spiritual sights in Los Angeles
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A
San Gabriel Mission
In 1781, a small group of settlers set out from this mission to found El Pueblo de Los Angeles in today's Downtown area. About 3 miles southeast of Pasadena in the city of San Gabriel, it's the fourth in the chain of 21 missions in California and one of the prettiest. Its church boasts Spanish Moorish flourishes, a copper baptismal font, carved statues of saints and a 1790 altar made in Mexico City. On the grounds you'll discover the cemetery, original soap-and-tallow vats and fountains. The small museum has historic Bibles, religious robes and Native American artifacts.
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B
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
It teems with art and sparkles with serenity achieved by soft light filtering in through alabaster panes; Gregory Peck is buried in the subterranean mausoleum. Tours (1pm, Monday to Friday) and recitals (12:45pm Wednesday) are both free and popular Unless you're coming for Mass, weekday parking is expensive - $3.50 per 15 minutes ($16.50 maximum) until 4pm, $5 on Saturday - but there's usually street parking at meters nearby.
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C
La Placita
Across the street form El Pueblo's Old Plaza, the little 1822 church affectionately known as La Placita , meaning 'Little Plaza', is a sentimental favorite with LA Latinos. On busy weekends priests go hoarse performing up to a dozen Spanish-language masses and dozens of baptisms. Peek inside for a look at the gold-festooned altar and painted ceiling.
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D
Wayfarers Chapel
Glass walls and redwood pillars comfort tired wayfarers at Lloyd Wright’s stunning seaside sanctuary. Built in 1951, this hillside ‘tree chapel’ supports an active congregation sponsored by the all-welcoming Swedenborgian Church. Guests should wander the Colonnade for reflective ocean views. Brides should book early.
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E
Malibu Hindu Temple
Tucked behind some trees about 11 miles north of Pepperdine is the enchanting Malibu Hindu Temple. Visitors are welcome, but should dress modestly. On weekends, the temple kitchen serves simple vegetarian meals served from Styrofoam boxes.
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F
Koyasan Buddhist Temple
Tucked into a hidden courtyard away from the street, near the Japanese Village Plaza, is the Koyasan Buddhist Temple .
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