The Missions of San Antonio

Remember The Alamo! That's what everyone kept saying to me when I told them that I was going to San Antonio, Texas. So I obviously knew it was a thing (and a thing to check off my bucket list), but what I didn't know was that there are a whole bunch of churches from this time period with a similar heritage that are worthy of checking out along with The Alamo (and dare I say, even better than?).

'What are the Spanish Missions of San Antonio?' I hear you ask.

That's an oddly specific question, considering I didn't actually tell you what they were called yet. And why are you interrupting me, I was about to tell you about them.

The Spanish Missions were a series of five colonial era walled estates set up in what is now downtown San Antonio following the river to the southern edge of the city. They were established in the 18th century as an extension of the Spanish Government and Catholic Church to convert the local indigenous tribes to Catholicism, teach them the Spanish ways, and help them. 

Today 4 of the 5 missions still serve as active churches and are run by the Archdiocese of San Antonio and the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park.

The Alamo

Set up like a museum and proper historic attraction, there are videos to watch, text panels to read, and history actors to interact with all to learn about the bloodied and varied past of this Spanish Church. Although I definitely found it interesting, but I didn't so much feel emotionally connected to this history. It might just be that I didn't know enough about it to feel that connection, much like I would expect a Texan to have to same reaction to visiting the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City; interesting history, but difficult to connect with the significance of it all.

Mission Conception

It is possible to walk or bike the 10 miles of trial that mostly follows the San Antonio River from The Alamo to Mission Espada, but when I'm being a tourist, sometimes the fastest route is the best route. Borrowing Selena's car for the day, I was able to visit all 4 remaining churches and not get sunburned or tired.

Mission Conception, established in 1731, was my favourite of the missions--the interior still has beautiful remains of fresco paintings and is an impressive looking structure.

Mission Jose

Mission Jose was the second mission built, in 1720, after The Alamo. This mission became known as a major social and cultural centre. Some of the compound walls are still standing and on the day of my visit there was a funeral taking place in the church and so I was unable to see the interior. The main visitor centre is located at this mission with a chockablock full gift shop.

Mission San Juan

Quite honestly, Mission San Juan (1731) was the most boring because I could see all I could access from the parking lot. On a bluer skied day, I could have taken some nice pictures of the white stucco building, but that's about it.

Mission Espada

The southern most mission of the five missions and my other favourite is this tiny gem, Mission Espada (1731). That exposed stone and brick! That lush moss! I mean, just look at that doorway!

Although the historical perspective of these missions is outdated, I just like looking at old buildings in original settings. If you're looking for something more to do than just The Alamo, the other missions are certainly worth a gander.

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