San Antonio Missions World Heritage Site
In the 18th century, Spanish priests established five Catholic missions along the San Antonio River. Today, they represent the largest body of colonial missions in North America.
The Alamo (San Antonio de Valero)World Heritage Office, The City of San Antonio
Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo)
Mission San Antonio de Valero was established in 1718 on the banks of San Pedro Creek by a Spanish missionary as a waypoint to settlements in East Texas and named after a Spanish viceroy. It was moved to its third and final location in 1724 and is famous for the battle in 1836.
Mission San JoseWorld Heritage Office, The City of San Antonio
Mission San José
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo, known as "Queen of the Missions", was founded by Franciscan missionary Father Antonio Margil de Jesús in 1720. The façade and Rose Window are considered the finest examples of Spanish colonial ornamentation in the U.S.
Mission ConcepciónWorld Heritage Office, The City of San Antonio
Mission Concepción
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña was established in 1731 after relocating from East Texas. Mission Concepción’s church is considered the best-preserved Spanish colonial structure in the U.S., and known for its, still faintly visible, painted frescos.
Mission San JuanWorld Heritage Office, The City of San Antonio
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan Capistrano moved to San Antonio from East Texas in 1731. It was a regional supplier of agricultural produce, grown in irrigated fields outside of the mission complex. In 2012, the acequia was restored and is once again used for watering the demonstration garden.
Mission EspadaWorld Heritage Office, The City of San Antonio
Mission Espada
Mission San Francisco de la Espada was the first Spanish Mission in Texas. It was founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas in East Texas. It was renamed when it moved to San Antonio in 1731. Its acequia is the nation’s oldest in use and its ranch is located 23 miles south.
Mission San Jose Facade Our lady of GuadalupeWorld Heritage Office, The City of San Antonio
An Interweaving of Cultures
The San Antonio Missions are the first and only World Heritage Site in Texas and illustrate the interweaving of Spanish and Indigenous cultures that still exist today. Visit worldheritagesa.com and learn about the largest collection of Spanish colonial architecture in the U.S.
The Alamo - Managed by Alamo Trust
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park - Managed by the National Parks Service.
