We are a community rich in history and just this past year we were named a world heritage site. Basic information san antonio missions national historical. Mission espada church bells, san antonio, texas by kathy weiseralexander. Today, it continues to be a catholic church, and masses are held every sunday. We look forward to celebrating the holy sacrifice of the mass with you. Immense structure of mission san jose, founded in 1720. Mission concepcion in san antonio texas, the oldest unrestored stone church in america contributor names. View original frescos at mission concepcion the oldest unrestored stone church in the nation.
The archbishops appeal is the annual fundraising campaign that provides supplemental financial assistance to institutions, programs and ministries affiliated with the catholic church throughout the archdiocese of san antonio. Visitors can paddle their way down the 8 mile mission reach trail in a variety of water crafts a kayak, pedal kayak or canoe. Though the mission concepcion was dedicated in 1755, the building still today looks almost exactly as it did then. Spanish explorers first visited the site, then a camp of the payaya indians, in 1691. This history includes photographs of san antonio street scenes and a few portraits, taken by professional photographer ernst raba between c.
This concise and lavishly illustrated account balances the significant history of the san antonios missions founding and their original function with the stories of their subsequent decay and eventual restoration. Indians interest irrigation january kerr county killed land main plaza march maverick menger hotel mexican mexico miles military plaza mission concepcion mission san mission square nacogdoches officers post present president railroad republic of texas san antonio river san fernando san jose. According to tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience mission concepcion. It took something like twenty years to build the twin towers and dome of the chapel. Find mission concepcion in san antonio with address, phone number from yahoo us local. A frame house and outbuildings abut the mission structures. Book your stay today and experience the history and culture shared at the san antonio missions. Spend an afternoon on a ride that takes you back through centuries of san antonios history, culture, and architecture to let you experience its incredible story. Review of missions national historic park, san antonio attraction. Mission concepcion san antonio, texas american guide. Mission concepcion in san antonio texas the oldest original stone church in the u. Cosme lozano narvais, journal of a texas missionary, 17671802. Find out what makes san antonio an important part of american history while taking in san antonios spanish influences. The national historic landmark became part of the san antonio missions national historical park in 1970.
Mission concepcion san antonio, texas roman catholic. Old spanish missions historical research library at san jose mission, 1977. Built in san antonio in 1755, the catholic mission had been founded almost forty years earlier in the texaslouisiana border region as one of six spanish missions that served as a barrier against french expansion from the east. Mission concepcion is one of four missions in the san antonio included in the san antonio missions national historical park and is was listed as a national historic landmark in 1970. This project connects mission concepcion, mission san jose, mission san juan, and mission espada to the san antonio riverwalk, through a series of park portals. As such, they reflect the history of conservation efforts within the city, first through the san antonio conservation society, and later by the san antonio missions national historical park. One of the missions in the san antonio missions national historical park founded by the franciscans in 1731, this is the best preserved of the texas missions. Products mission heritage partners san antonio missions. The mission had been moved to san antonio from east texas. Visitors can experience the missions by walking, bicycling, or using san antonio s new viva culture bus routes. Mission heritage partners is proud to support their efforts to recreate a native mixedgrass prairie vegetation.
Mission concepcion is one of four missions in the san antonio included in the san antonio national historical park. Visit san antonio missions national historical park on. San antonio missions national historical park has been home to many peoples and cultures throughout history. Cecilias church in the san antonio archdiocese and holds services each sunday.
It was established in the early 1700s and was the first mission in san antonio. Mission concepcion is the best preserved of the texas missions. Dec 17, 2008 mission concepcion in san antonio texas. Starting 3 miles south of downtown san antonio is mission concepcion. Though its tempting to while away your entire san antonio vacation strolling, cruising. After its establishment in 1716, the mission moved from its original location to san antonio, where pajalats typically. Rebel texans, led by james fannin and jim bowie, fought off a vicious assault by the mexican army and drove them back into san antonio. This park has four distinct visitor areas, each between 23 miles from the previous one. Mission conception entry at handbook of texas online. These collections of artifacts can be grouped into the following broad categories. Boat locks to mission concepcion by gray line san antonio. Originally founded in 1716 in what is now eastern texas, the mission was one of six authorized by the government to. Mission concepcion was originally established in east texas in 1716 and moved to its present site in san antonio in 1731.
The four san antonio missions, along with the alamo, became a unesco world heritage site in 2015. Learn more about the archbishops appeal make a donation to the archbishops appeal. The mission trails hikeandbike system, originally conceived in 1993, provides pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular routes that link san antonios five spanish colonial missions. This project connects mission concepcion, mission san jose, mission san juan, and mission espada to the san antonio riverwalk, through a series of park. Mission concepcion in san antonio texas, the oldest. Mission concepcion san antonio 2020 alles wat u moet weten. Mission concepcion currently closed las misones las. First established by catholic missionaries on the frontier of the spanish southwest, san antonio missions national historical park highlights the history behind the colonization of this area. Mission concepcion in san antonio texas, the oldest unrestored. Mission concepcion was founded in 1731, and is a mission chapel of st.
Mission concepcionsan antonio texas oldest original. Visit san antonio missions national historical park on your. Mission concepcion san antonio all you need to know. Insight into the historic unesco world heritage sites. One of the missions in the san antonio missions national historical park. New drawings depict all five mission compounds as they first appeared. Take a step back into the 18th century and explore the four preserved missions located on the property. The san antonio missions the mission trail noble inns.
San antonio missions national historic park page 2 legends of. Today the missions national historical park preserves four of the five spanish frontier missions in san antonio, texas. The mission trails hike and bike trail includes san antonios five spanish colonial missions. Mission concepcion san antonio missions national historical park. Ray was ordained a deacon for the archdiocese of san antonio in 2004 and is currently assigned to mission concepcion where he assists with baptism and marriage preparation classes, conducts vigil servicesrosaries, quinceneras, as well as coordinating the rite for christian initiation for adults rcia program. This mission is located within the san antonio missions national historical park.
Built by franciscan friars and now part of the unescodesignated san antonio missions national historical park, mission concepcion stands out for the quality of its preservation. While having aged and lost decorative geometric designs on the outer wall, mission concepcion has not lost its roof or walls, mainly because it was built on bedrock. The pocket map of schuetz 1980b places the pajalat farther to the northwest. Mission concepcion the cultural landscape foundation.
While we were in san antonio for christmas we decided to check out all the missions along san antonios mission trail. San antonio missions national historical park may be arranged differently than other parks you have visited. The evolution of tejano culture is closely tied to the missions in san antonio. San antonio, tx mission concepcion 5 mission concepcion in san antonio, texas, by kathy weiseralexander. The mission was partially restored during the 1930s.
The sightseeing boat cruises down the scenic san antonio river walk. Read on as we take a closer look at tejano history, then and now. May 28, 2017 book your stay today and experience the history and culture shared at the san antonio missions. Father david garcia asks for your support in the las misiones campaign. Mission concepcion san antonio 2020 all you need to. Capturing the spirit of texas, san antonio is a mecca for history buffs. From its native american occupation, discovery by spanish explorers, old missions, the battle of the alamo, and the old west, the history and attractions of this beautiful city can entertain its visitors for days.
The society documents the history of san antonio and south central texas with an emphasis on the built. Mission concepcion in san antonio texas, the oldest unrestored stone church in america. We have over 500 parishioners who have been part of this community for several decades. Book printed material history of the alamo and of the local franciscan missions, also available in digital form. Stories san antonio missions national historical park u. The stories from the san antonio missions represent divergent and significant points of view. Mission concepcion san antonio 2020 all you need to know. Mission espada, the one of oldest missions in united states. Within this listing, the national historical park was authorized on november 10, 1978.
The four san antonio missions, along with the alamo, became a. Mexican mexico miles military plaza mission concepcion mission san mission square nacogdoches. Apr 29, 2014 mission concepcion, yet another mission along the san antonio river, still stands in all of its regal beauty in san antonio missions national historical park. It is very easy to drive from mission to mission, with parking and restrooms available at each mission site. Explore the grounds at mission concepcion, san jose, san juan, and espada. Learn about life at the missions at mission san jose, the queen of the missions.
Jun 24, 2015 the national historic landmark became part of the san antonio missions national historical park in 1970. Cottonwood, was one of five founded in the area and was named for st. Mission concepcionsan antonio texas oldest original stone. Cecilias parish within the archdiocese of san antonio. Review of missions national historic park, san antonio. Mission concepcion is 1st of the 418th century spanish colonial missions south of the alamo comprising the san antonio missions. Mission concepcion in san antonio mission concepcion 807. San antonio, texas a mecca for history buffs legends.
Since then, restoration of the missions interior was completed after 6 months of work in 2010 for visitors to enjoy year after year. We are located on the south side of san antonio just outside 410 along with our sister church, saint frances x. The friars moved the mission in 1731 to san antonio. The paddling trail starts from downtown san antonio to san antonio missions national historical park. Mission concepcion is the oldest unrestored stone church in america and once featured many colorful and geometric designs along the stone walls. Over 400 years ago spanish expeditions began to explore the land that is now the. Founded by the franciscans in 1731, this is the best preserved of the texas missions. San antonio missions national historical park wikipedia. In october 20, the mission reach ecosystem restoration and recreation project was completed, adding 15 miles of hiking, biking, and paddling trails to the san antonio missions. Sara san antonio river authority paddling trail and tour company information. Visit mission concepcion on your trip to san antonio or. Mission concepcion was designated a national historic landmark in 1970, and is a contributing feature of the san antonio missions national historical park, listed in the national register of historic places in 1978. The mission is open to the public 9 am to 5 pm each day.
San antonio, texas a mecca for history buffs legends of. Mission concepcion san antonio missions national historical. See san antonio three ways with this combination bus, boat, and viewing tower experience. Mission concepcion is the oldest unrestored stone church in america. From mission san jose to mission san juan capistrano, learn about the history and heritage and delight in the fascinating culture found in san antonios missions national historic park. Photograph of an oblique view of the west front and south facades of the church and convento at mission concepcion. San antonio missions unesco world heritage site tour. The national park service is modifying its operations on a parkbypark basis in accordance with. The faith community of mission concepcion and our pastor jim rutkowski welcome you.