One thing I realized I didn't fully appreciate in Europe this past Fall is how intricate carvings can be. And here, it's no different. The front façade of Mission San Jose is said to have some of the most elaborate carvings of all the missions in the United States.
...present church in 1768. According to Morfi, when the church, with its belfry, choir loft, nave, and vaulted roof, was near completion in 1777, San José was "the first mission . . . in point of beauty, plan, and strength." The cupola and façade were heavily ornamented with colorful geometrical designs. The church was richly embellished with carving and statuary.