There are 5 Spanish frontier missions in San Antonio, four of which make up the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The fifth is the Alamo.
We were able to visit two of the missions on our day in the city. Up first is the Mission San Jose.
The mission was founded in 1720, with work on the current buildings beginning in 1768 and completing in 1782.
The community’s life was fully supported within the walls of the mission, including this oven.
There are many homes contained along the perimeter walls.
Massive stone arches frame walkways near the church.
Mission San Jose has had more restoration than the others in the area, resulting in a more ornate interior.
The south wall of the church features the ‘Rose Window’. This window is considered one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in North America.
There is evidence of the earlier exteriors on one of the walls.
The main gate to the compound.
The church is holding up remarkably well for being 250 + years old.
Additional views of the Mission San Jose.
Just a few miles away is Mission Concepcion.
This mission dates from essentially the same time as Mission San Jose, however the grounds are much smaller.
Some restoration has occurred here as well.
Mission Concepcion is known for the fresco’s on the interior and exterior of the building.
The interior of the church is not as ornate as Mission San Jose, but elegant in it’s simplicity.
The missions we were able to visit in San Antonio are national treasures. We look forward to a return trip to the area to check out the others we missed.
RDZ Photography 