How the architecture of the Panama-California Exposition,
which influenced the appearance of all California, flowed from designs
of famed buildings in historic Spain, Mexico and Italy

The clustering of the domes on the California Building in Balboa Park often have reminded visitors of the Cathedral of 0axaca, Mexico, which has fourteen domes. However, the large blue dome of the building, shown above, without doubt had its origin with the one on the parish church of Santa Prisca in the silver town of Taxco, southwest of Mexico City. This sparkling blue dome, shown below, can be seen from any point of the town and surrounding mountains. The church was built by Don José de la Borda, who made a fortune in silver mining, between 1751 and 1758. Around the base of the dome is the message of his gift. Around the base of the California Building dome is written from the Vulgate of St. Jerome: "A land of wheat and barley; of vines and fig-trees and pomegranates; a land of oil olives, and honey." Unsung is the pottery expert, Walter Nordhoff, who produced the colorful ceramic tiles in his plant in National City.