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Saturday, February 20, 2010

San Antonio Missions ~ Part II ~ Mission Concepcion

As promised here is a continuation of our day visiting the Missions of San Antonio. I am posting them in the order we saw them and actually how they are on the Mission Trail. While the Alamo is the most widely known and visited, travelers shouldn't make it their sole stop inside San Antonio Missions National Park. There are 5 missions in all on this magnificent tour... Here is the first one!

Nuestra Senora de la Purisima Concepcion - Mission Concepcion (1731)

One of the most attractive of the San Antonio missions, the church at Concepcion looks essentially as it did more than 200 years ago, when it stood at the center of local religious activity. The mission was well known for its religious celebrations. Not visible today are the colorful geometric designs, known as Frescos, that originally covered the exterior surface of the mission. Inside, however, are original paintings of religious symbols and architectural designs.




This handsome stone church took about 20 years to build, and was dedicated in 1755. It appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. Due to the fact that it was built directly on bedrock, it never lost its roof, or its integrity. It remains the least restored of the colonial structures within the Park.

Also on the grounds is a beautiful prayer garden... I found this a very tranquil area and sat for a long time reflecting on how it must have been for the Indains during those times of transisiton.... and what life must have been like for all....



Did You Know?
That Spanish missions were not churches? They were Indian towns, with the church as the focus, where, in the 1700s, the native people were learning to become Spanish citizens. In order to become a citizen, they had to be Catholic; that is why the King of Spain sent missionaries to acculturate them.

Until Later... Have FUN, Travel Safe & Enjoy Everyday!

12 comments:

The Muse said...

i can imagine the cool stone beneath my feet and the cool walls...

there has to be sense of history totally tangible...

great visions of the past!

Margie M. said...

Great pics, Donna. What a beautiful mission. We have, unfortunately, only seen the Alamo. We will need to tour these other missions you are posting on. Thanks for the pics of the lovely garden, as well. Great stuff!

Have fun!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Donna, It is wonderful that y'all take in so many sights when you go some place. Thank you for sharing these photos. It does look like such a peaceful place. laurie

Dawn Marie said...

these are such beautiful pictures. I would love to see this one day.
I get such a serene peaceful feeling from your pictures.

Hootin Anni said...

Excellent!!! Donna, this is all so gorgeous. I love the history you've been sharing. With the Alamo below and all your Texas travels!!!

Have a great weekend.

Speedy said...

We both love San Antonio! We want to go back there and see the sights again.

Debbie Goode said...

Love the photos....we are planning on stopping in Antonio for a few days and I will put this on my list of "must see" while we are there. We will leave here on the 28th and then head over to Rockport for a few days then back over to San Antonio. Maybe our paths will cross. Thanks so much for your compliments on my "faux bricks"!

Hootin Anni said...

I'm back....

I'm here early this morning to pass on an award to you---

IT'S HERE scroll down a bit to find it...click on it, and then save it for your wonderful blog if you'd like!!!

Happy Monday.

SmilingSally said...

Anything that's 200 years old in our coutnty is a sight to see!

Mike McFall said...

Donna,
Enjoyed the pictures.
We don't ever plan on getting to the Black hills until the middle of May. June 1st would be better, even then there is a good chance of a snow or two and some real cool mornings....

We will leave North Ranch about may 15th and head north.

Hope to get to see you one place or another.....

Larry and Jeri are leaving here in a couple weeks and have lots to do to get ready to open by May 1st. Larry has several new sites to get built and a another Horse Barn.

Thanks for being a faithful follower, I always enjoy your comments....

Justine said...

These buildings you've been showing are so stunning. The architecture and what they were able to accomplish over 200 years ago is just amazing.

Justine :o )

Carole Burant said...

So very beautiful and like you, I would have spent a lot of time in the prayer garden, just thinking of how it must have been like there all those hundred of years ago. It's so amazing that the mission has kept up so well. I loved all of your pictures of this beautiful place. xoxo

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