Many San Antonians don’t realize it, but there’s a national historical park in our midst. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park features four colonial Spanish missions and related exhibits, such as an acequia (an irrigation system).
The park features four major missions, in varying stages of restoration. (Mission San Antonio de Valero, better known as the Alamo, was also a Spanish colonial mission. Since it’s owned by the State of Texas and operated by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, however, it’s not part of this park.) All were built in the early 1700s.
Mission San Jose is the largest and best-preserved. The only mission to still hold public worship services, it was built in 1720 and feature the famous “Rosa’s Window.” On my visit to Mission San Juan (pictured), I was surprised to find signs indicating the presence of a community of Franciscan monks. The church and convento are the only major structures still standing. Other stops include Mission Concepcion and Mission Espada.
3” tan obelisks mark the driving trail. They’re clear in some places; not so much in others. Make sure you have a good map (available at the visitor’s center at San Jose and at all of the mission stops).
Admission to the park is free.
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