The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving four of the five Spanish frontier missions in San Antonio, Texas. The Alamo is the fifth mission, but the National Park Service does not administer it. Besides the historical significance of these 18th-century Spanish missions, each mission shows the rich blending of Spanish and indigenous cultures. You can see that in the buildings’ architecture and art. All four missions hold regular Catholic services and are operated by the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Texas. These are the four missions: Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada.
Mission Concepción (founded in 1716) is one of the oldest unrestored churches in the United States. Inside, you can still see frescos adorning its faded walls.
Mission San José (founded in 1720) is the largest of the four missions. It is also the most restored site of these four missions. It shows what life would have been like back in the days of active missions.
Although a small mission, Mission San Juan (founded in 1716) has some dramatic views to explore, such as the site’s acequias. Those irrigation ditches still carry water from the San Antonio River to the mission fields.
Mission Espada (or Mission San Francisco de la Espada) was the first mission established in Texas in 1690 when the state was still a province.
All four missions were originally in different locations in Texas and were moved to where they are now. Please visit the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park website for more information.
Those are the stories behind the shots. If you liked these photos, you might also be interested in other posts featuring: Mission Concepción, Mission San Francisco de la Espada, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, Monochrome, Monochrome Madness, San Antonio, San Antonio NHP, Texas, UNESCO World Heritage. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness #25 – Places of Worship, hosted by Dawn of The Day After.
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Dawn M. Miller
Oh my…these are exquisite!
Thanks for joining in.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you for a great theme and for your feedback, too.
Toonsarah
It’s interesting that these missions have all been moved to be in the same location. Was it not possible to preserve them where they originally stood? They are certainly beautiful and worth preserving!
Egidio Leitao
Sarah, they were moved from the original place where they were built, but they are not in the same location. They are far apart from one another; sometimes, they are a fifteen-minute drive from one another. Thank you for writing.
Tomi Rovira
Magnificent black and white processing, I really like it.
Egidio Leitao
I’m happy you liked these. Thanks, Tomi.
Tranature - quiet moments in nature
Stunning images Egídio, the buildings look fabulous in monochrome!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much for this wonderful feedback.
Leanne Cole
These are amazing Egidio.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Leanne. I have to do more posts about those missions and show their interior.