The original heart and soul of downtown Sonoma, Mission San Francisco Solano was founded in July of 1823 by Padre Jose Altimira. San Francisco Solano was named after a Peruvian missionary and was the 21st mission constructed in Alta California. It remained in operation until 1834, when it was designated a parish by the Mexican Congress. Featuring classic Spanish Mission-style architecture accented by lovely flowerbeds, the structure is now part of the Sonoma State Historic Park. Admission is $2 and includes all buildings within the park.