The mission site was founded three years later in 1705 by Father Juan de Ugarte and named Santa Rosalia de Mulege. Formal construction began in 1754 by Father Francisco Escalante and was complete in 1766. The stone building is is "L" shaped and has a a bell tower that was built several meters back from the main facade. In 1828 the mission was abandoned due to scarcity of a surrounding population. Although portions of the mission have been restored several times, it still retains it's original appearance. The small hill where the church resides offers a magnificent view of Mulege and the river below.