The Missions

So we saw the Alamo, or Mission San Antonio de Valero as it is rightly called, but I was surprised to learn that it is just one mission of dozens in Central Texas. In fact in the San Antonio area there were six Fanciscan missions established in the late 1600's to mid-1700's all along the San Antonio River. Today the four remaining missions south of the Alamo site are protected by the National Park Service. Interestingly the four mission churches are still used by the Catholic Archdiocese of San Antonio for services.

The northern portion of the San Antonio Missions Park. The Alamo is at the top, then south is Mission Conception, then Mission San Jose and the Visitor Center.

The southern half of the Park with the Visitor Center at the top, then Mission San Juan, then Mission Espada at the bottom. Roughly ten miles top to bottom.

The Alamo is the furthest north and there are five more sites heading south within a ten mile stretch. Heading south about three miles from the Alamo site you first run into Mission Conception. Just south of that site was the location of Mission San Fransico Xavier Najera which no longer exists and its exact location is not clear. South a couple of miles is Mission San Jose, which is the Visitor Center for the park. Next is Mission San Juan and last is Mission Espada. protected by the National Park Service these are much more original, less commercialized and less visited that the Alamo.

We thought it best to go to the Visitor Center at Mission San Jose first to get the low-down on the park and the missions. They had a good overview video and information pamphlets that helped us tour the missions.

Mission San Jose. Founded in 1720.

Archway through the outer wall to the courtyard.

Native American Indians lived at the mission in these quarter along the outside wall. They exchanged their old free lifestyle for the more structured but secure life.

Gun portals in the corner turrets of the outer wall.

Reconstructed ceiling in one of the Indian housing units.

Outside ovens

Foundations of old buildings within the walls of the mission.

These old buildings are still active as the Franciscan Catholic offices.

Photographers dream!

Beautiful flowers on the grounds.

Amazing carved stonework

Not original, but very ornate doorways.

The Chapel is amazing. Still in use.

An old doorway long since covered over.

The missions had advanced aquaduct systems.

One of the doors through the outer wall.

Another of the outer doors. Note the gun portals above the door (the specs of light).

More of the residences along the outer wall.

Another outer door with gun portals above.

The famous 'rose' window. Amazingly ornate carvings around it.

Next was to head south to Mission San Juan, but not before we had to take a side trip to the busy little Stinson Airport. They had a surprisingly good barbecue joint there and the bonus was to watch some take-off and landings. Belly full we moved on to the Mission.

Great BBQ here!

Stinson Airport in south San Antonio.

Amazing history here!

Look at the old wooden beams.

Some of the stonework has been restored, but most is original. Over 350 years old.

The missions were an economic driver for the area. Trade occurred here, religion of course, and security from Indian attacks....and later Mexican Army attacks.

Next up was the furthest south, Mission Espada. This is the oldest of the missions founded in 1690 and moved to this location in 1731.

Entrance to the courtyard of the mission.

Notice how thin the bricks are. This was typical of European bricklayers of the time.

Remnants of the foundations of buildings

Beautiful church.

Priests of the mission still live here.

This mission had looms to make blankets. The missions were quite entrepreneurial.

Lastly we drove up through the River park to Mission Conception. A bit busier here as you are very close to the Loop 410 highway. Easy access to make our way home though.

Nice drive along the San Antonio River.

San Antonio River

Modern dam on the river

This area was the quarry where the stones to build the mission were taken.

They are restoring the painted walls and ceilings. Wonderful artwork was buried under years of pint and dirt.

Although the view wasn't great it's nice to see the restoration work taking place.

 

What a treat to see these impressive missions and hear of their stories and hardships. A great day to explore although the humidity was very high and we were done-in by the time we made it home.

.....and that was Our View From Here!