Headquarters of the California mission chain during its expansive early years, the Carmel mission resonates with the visionary spirit of its founder, Padre Junípero Serra, whose remains are interred here in the church sanctuary. The stately old chapel and rebuilt mission grounds, today surrounded by a residential area, continue to serve as an active parish church and school. The church is unique among the churches of the mission chain for its interior, supported by a series of graceful catenary arches, which slope upward more steeply than a traditional barrel vault. The walls are hung with 18C oil paintings original to the church. The bell dates from 1781. The adobe padre's quarters have been reconstructed. They are entered through the Serra Room, which is dominated by a 20C cenotaph dedicated to the padre by sculptor Jo Mora. Silver altarpieces brought to the mission by Serra are also on display. Beyond the chapel lie re-creations of rooms from the original mission.