How to Visit:
Visits to the Mausoleum can be made daily between 9:30 am - 4:00 pm. Please check-in at the tour desk and a staff member will assist you.
No reservation is required.
Personal visits by family and friends to the Friars Vaults and wheelchair access to the mausoleum require advance notice. Please call 805.682.4713 ext.154 or fill out the request form at the bottom of the page to schedule an appointment.
Thank you!
CONTINUING A FRANCISCAN TRADITION OF CARE AND REVERENCE
Surrounded by 200-year-old sandstone walls, The Historic Mausoleum is situated in the center of the cemetery at Old Mission Santa Barbara. Since 1893, this simple structure has served as a final resting place for Franciscan friars and a number of prominent citizens who were part of the early history of Santa Barbara. An extensive restoration of the building was completed in 2011, which included the addition of a columbarium with niche spaces for inurnments of cremated remains. Clad in beautiful, elegant marble and surrounded by handcrafted details from local artisans, these niches are now available to all people of faith and good will. Our goal is to reconnect the community to our living cemetery and its grand history.The columbarium supports and nurtures the Corporal Works of Mercy through appropriate inurnment, respect, reverence, dignity, and hope found within the Franciscans, who have made this space available to all. It brings together parishioners, family and friends, and people throughout this wonderful community and beyond.
ABOUT THE HISTORIC MAUSOLEUM
The cemetery and the Historic Mausoleum operate as part of Old Mission Santa Barbara under specific cemetery management. The Historic Mausoleum has been an integral part of the cemetery at the Mission from the beginning. The cemetery began as part of the essential mission operations in 1789, and the first part of the mausoleum was constructed to hold the remains of several of the pioneer Franciscan friars, such as Fr. Joseph O’Keefe, O.F.M. (1842-1915), who is credited as being the link between the end of the mission period and the beginning of modern times.
Over the years, the cemetery and the mausoleum have served as an important connection to the Santa Barbara area and the people who worked to establish and build this community. We are committed to maintaining these traditions and to continuing the friars’ important ministry to the dead, as it has for more than 225 years.
San Damiano Wall
Features a centrally located San Damiano cross faced in rouge matador marble. Two Tau crosses are framed by niche faces of crema marfil marble. The Tau cross holds significant symbolism in Christendom as it was adopted by St. Francis as a symbol of the Passion of Christ.
Primary Wall niches: $8,500 to $14,500
Tau Cross niches: $24,000
White Column niches: $18,000 to $25,000
San Damiano Cross niches: $28,000 to $44,000
(All niches fit up to two urns)
TREE OF LIFE WALL
Located under a large window that overlooks the cemetery grounds. The window is framed by green rainforest marble in an abstract representation of a tree. This unique marble contains actual fossilized tree roots and represents our connection in the circle of life.
Primary Wall niches: $8,500 to $14,500
Window surround: $20,000 to $30,000
(All niches fit up to two urns)
St Francis & St Clare Memorial Walls
A perfect way to memorialize a loved who may be buried elsewhere. Handcrafted by accomplished local artisans, these walls are situated on either side of the San Damiano wall.
5” x 3” black anodized aluminum plaques to memorialize yourself or a friend or family member – $1,000
For more information, please contact John Stephens at (805)-682-4713 ext. 154 or by email at thm@sboldmission.org or please fill out the form below and we will contact you shortly.
PRICING & OTHER INFORMATION
Interest-Free Financing
One year (12 months) – 30% down payment
Two Year (24 months) – 30% down payment
Promotion
10% discount for the purchase of multiple niches or referral purchases within 30 days of purchase.
Included in Pricing
Two bronze urns
Engraving of marble faceplate
A niche-side urn placement memorial service
(All prices subject to change)