The mission of San Rafael de Velasco was the second mission built out of the six inscribed the World Heritage Site.
Founded in 1695 by the Jesuits Fr. Juan Bautista Zea and Fr. Francisco Hervás, it was moved several times. The mission had to be moved in 1701 and 1705 because of epidemics in the region. In 1719 the mission was moved once more due to fire. Fr. Martin Schmid built the church between 1747 and 1749, which has survived. San Rafael de Velasco was restored between 1972 and 1996 as part of Hans Roth’s restoration project.
During my tour to visit all the Jesuit Missions what I did noticed is the lack of tourism. All the temples were empty, I can’t say that I disliked it, on the contrary, but it’s hard to believe that no more people will go to see those amazing temples.
