The First and Only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas
The Alamo and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park may hold endless history, but their communities remain and thrive even today.
Mission San José (2015) by Sean PavoneVisit San Antonio
Mission San José, "Queen of the Missions"
Established in 1720, San José y San Miguel de Aguayo is the largest mission in San Antonio. At its height, it provided sanctuary and a social and cultural community for more than 300 indigenous peoples.
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San Jose Mission (1946-10) by Cornell CapaLIFE Photo Collection
"Rose Window"
Mission San José's famed “Rose Window” is a superb example of Spanish Colonial ornamentation. While mystery surrounds the true origins of the Rose Window, Pedro Huízar is often credited with its creation.
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Mission Concepción
Dedicated in 1755, the church at Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña remains true to its original design, look and feel.
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Mission Concepción
The church still stands as the oldest unrestored stone church in the United States. Exterior paintings have faded, but if you peek inside, you can still see original frescos in some of the church rooms.
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Mission San Juan Capistrano
Established in 1731, Mission San Juan’s fertile farmlands used to allow for a self-sustainable community, and its surplus helped supply the region with produce.
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Mission San Juan (2022)Visit San Antonio
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Today, the chapel and bell tower are still in use. The typical Romanesque archway at the entrance gate invites visitors into this still-active church.
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Aqueduct at Mission Espada (2015)Visit San Antonio
Mission Espada
The southernmost mission in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Mission Espada was established in 1731 and boasts the best-preserved segment of the area’s original irrigation system that was used to bring water to the fields.
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Mission Espada (2015)Visit San Antonio
Mission Espada
In 1826, a fire destroyed most of the mission buildings at Espada, with only the chapel, granary, and two of the compound walls remaining. Today, part of the original irrigation system still operates the Espada aqueduct and dam.
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The Alamo (2011) by traveler1116Visit San Antonio
Remember the Alamo
The Alamo, founded in 1718, was the first mission in San Antonio, serving as a way station between east Texas and Mexico. In 1836, decades after the mission had closed, the Alamo became an inspiration and a motivation for liberty during the Texas Revolution.
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The Alamo
Originally known as Misión San Antonio de Valero, the area surrounding this historic site is undergoing transformation and updates to better preserve the history and legacy of the Alamo for generations to come.
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Real History. True Legacy. (2022)Visit San Antonio
Real History. True Legacy.
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