San Antonio Missions ~ Part III ~ San Jose'

Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo ~ San Jose (1720)

Soon after the building of the Alamo, a second mission was founded in 1720 about five miles downstream. Named San Jose, this new mission was established by Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus, who had previously left a failed mission in East Texas. A model among the Texas missions, San Jose gained a reputation as a major social and cultural center. Among the San Antonio missions, it also provided the strongest garrison against raids from Indians.

The San José, established in 1720, was a model for other missions--and the most prosperous. Located just south of the Alamo, this “Queen of the Missions” represented a social and cultural center. Its 300 residents sustained themselves by raising livestock and tending to vast fields. The mission had its own gristmill and granary, which have been restored. At the church, you can enjoy seeing carvings, quatrefoil patterns, and the famed “Rose Window,” a superb example of Spanish Colonial ornamentation. The stairway that leads to the belfry and choir loft is an incredible showcase of workmanship; all 25 risers were hand-hewn form a single log and assembled without the use of nails or pegs. You can also spend time reflecting in the beautiful gardens...

Did You Know?
That the four churches within San Antonio Missions National Historical Park are active Catholic parish churches? While they have not been in continuous operation since established in the early 1700s, many parishioners today are direct descendants of the mission Indians who built the churches.

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

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!

San Antonio Missions ~ Remember the Alamo

When we went into San Antonio we decided that we should go check out all of the Missions again. We were here 6 years ago with our friends and made it to 3 of the 5. I was determined to make it to all in one day and sure enough we did. A lot of walking & reading made for a very long day but we sure did enjoy it. The first one I'd like to tell you about is The Alamo. It is definitely the most famous of the 5 missions and the only mission that is not a National Historical Park. The Alamo was first mission established in San Antonio which served as a way station between east Texas and Mexico. Already 100years old when it fell in the notorious Battle of the Alamo.

the back of the Mission

On the Alamo Plaza is the most famous spot in Texas where 189 defenders fell on March 6, 1836, after repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Anna's army. Mission San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo) was established in 1718 as the city's first mission. The chapel, one of the most photographed facades in the nation, and the Long Barracks are all that remain of the original fort.

Memorial to the fallen heroes of the battle in the Alamo Plaza

The Long Barracks Museum and Library is located near the chapel. The museum contains relics and mementos from the Republic of Texas and offers a narration on the fall of the Alamo. The Alamo is located in the center of the city and are surrounded with beautifully landscaped grounds.

This is the waterway that remains of the irrigation system that served the mission and the community along the San Antonio River.

The fish are Koi... looks like giant goldfish to me!

After visiting the Alamo we went to a restaurant called Lulu's Bakery & Cafe'. It was featured on Man vs Food on the Travel Channel so we knew we wanted to go to it... Now I am sure that if I had passed this without knowing about it I would have driven right by but luckily we didn't... We stopped in for Lunner (lunch/dinner)around 1 and it was crowded. Only a few tables left to sit at. They are best known for their Chicken fried Chicken & Chicken fried Steak so we ordered the lunch special of Chicken... Thank goodness because we saw the regular one and it covered the entire plate.

YUMO!!!

Also famous is their 3 pound Cinnamon Roll... we were to full to eat one so we bought it to take home with us... Now just check it out... AS BIG as my head! We will never finish this before it goes stale but I had to have one... I bet they are really good first thing in the morning when they are fresh and hot and gooey!

Well this is more then enough for one post so

I'll be doing the other Missions in a few days.

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