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Casa de la Guerra: A Window into Santa Barbara's Past

Explore the meticulously restored Casa de la Guerra in Santa Barbara, offering a glimpse into California's Mexican past and the life of a prominent family.

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Step back in time at Casa de la Guerra, the meticulously restored 19th-century home of José de la Guerra, fifth comandante of the Presidio. Explore furnished rooms and exhibits that depict Californio life during Santa Barbara's Mexican period, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the de la Guerra family and the Chumash laborers who supported them.

A brief summary to Casa de la Guerra

  • Thursday 12 pm-4 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-4 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-4 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday between 12 PM and 4 PM to explore the interior of Casa de la Guerra.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, as admission to Casa de la Guerra includes entry to the Presidio.
  • Check the SBTHP calendar for lectures, exhibits, and community events held at Casa de la Guerra.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Casa de la Guerra is located in downtown Santa Barbara, a half block from State Street and El Paseo Nuevo shopping mall. From State Street, walk east on De la Guerra Street. The museum will be on your right, at 15 E De la Guerra St..

  • Public Transport

    The Santa Barbara Transit Center is located at 1020 Chapala Street. From the Transit Center, walk east on Carrillo Street, then turn right onto Anacapa Street. Turn left onto De la Guerra Street. The museum will be on your right, at 15 E De la Guerra St. Santa Barbara MTD bus routes serve the De la Guerra stop. Single ride fares range from $0.85 to $1.75.

  • Parking

    Limited parking is available across the street at the De la Guerra Plaza. Additional hourly parking is available at the public parking lot at 115 E. Canon Perdido Street, a couple blocks away. Parking can be paid for through the paybyphone.com app.

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Discover more about Casa de la Guerra

Casa de la Guerra, located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, offers a captivating journey into the city's past. Built between 1818 and 1828 for José de la Guerra, the fifth comandante of the Presidio, this historic adobe residence served as the social, political, and cultural hub of Santa Barbara during the Mexican period (1821-1848). José de la Guerra was a prominent figure in early California, acquiring vast ranchos and establishing a thriving commercial trade enterprise. His home, known as the 'casa grande' (big house), dwarfed the surrounding adobes and became a center of community life. The Casa de la Guerra remained in the de la Guerra family until 1943. The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) meticulously restored the building in the 1990s to its appearance between 1828 and 1858. Today, visitors can explore furnished rooms, including an office, living room (sala), bedroom, and store, that evoke the atmosphere of a 19th-century family home. Bilingual interpretive panels share information about the family, the Chumash laborers, and the building's role as a community gathering place. Casa de la Guerra is a Santa Barbara City Landmark, a California Historical Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It stands as a testament to Santa Barbara's rich history and the legacy of the de la Guerra family.

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