The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park encompasses four out of the five Spanish missions built in the San Antonio area in the 1700s. These Spanish missions were built in close proximity to each other to provide mutual protection against attacks from American Indians and to utilize water from the San Antonio River for irrigation, which could only be set up in the San Antonio Valley’s upper ten miles. The most famous San Antonio mission, The Alamo, is not part of the park.
Mission San José
Mission San José is a large complex with a walled perimeter and large church. There was a wedding being held in the church on the day we visited. As we were peering through the cracks in the locked door a man in a suit swung open the door and asked if we (dressed in sweat shirts) were part of the wedding party.
Mission San Juan
Mission San Juan was the least impressive of the missions and the smallest. Apparently, it was also the least prosperous mission in the valley.
Mission Espada
Mission Espada is located the furthest south of the San Antonio missions. There was a chill vibe at this mission with the green grass and smaller church. I think I would have wanted to be stationed at this mission back in the day.
Mission Concepción
Mission Concepción is the oldest unrestored church in the US and was completed in 1731 during the Spanish colonial period. Nearly everything in the mission is from the original construction including nails, hinges, screws, door handles, locks, and even the pews.
