The city of San Antonio had five Catholic missions; all are part of this national park, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spanish missionaries established these walled communities throughout what was then called “Tejas” to assimilate indigenous people into the Spanish empire’s religion and culture.

The Spanish missions around San Antonio were secularized in the early 1800s – however, Mission Concepción was likely an active parish in 1835 during the Revolution. At the “Battle of Concepción”, Texian revolutionaries defeated Mexican troops.

Many of the missions fell into disrepair, but they remain a beautiful and important part of the regional history and identity.

The missions are open to visitors, and the National Park Service offers free guided tours. An 8-mile hike and bike trail winds along the San Antonio River, connecting the historic Spanish missions, and makes for an excellent family excursion.

NOT JUST A CHURCH BUT A MISSION

Four of the five surviving Spanish colonial missions in and around San Antonio comprise the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. With the National Park Service as steward, this chain of architectural treasures—all within a hike or bike of each other—provides much of our understanding of our Spanish colonial past. The park and its missions offer heritage travelers an impressive experience covering historical highlights including a look at the oldest unrestored stone church in the country—Mission Concepción; the “Queen of the Missions,” known as Mission San José and the largest of the missions, fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA; the restored acequias (irrigation canals) of Mission San Juan; and Mission Espada, the first mission built in Texas. Discover the missions on your own or join a free guided tour and learn more about the 18th century Spanish Colonial period in Texas.

All four missions continue to be active Catholic parishes and hold regular services unless special preservation projects require temporary closure. The missions and their grounds are considered archeological sites, so preservation is a key factor of mission stewardship and, in fact, new discoveries occasionally occur. This National Historical Park also hosts special events throughout the year at the four mission sites including music concerts, mission-to-mission bike rides, and educational programs for both children and adults.