Historic San Antonio: Brave Old World
Come and breathe in the life of historic San Antonio. The city’s rich culture offers an authentic glimpse of early Spanish colonial life in the Southwest. As the first civilian settlement in Texas, San Antonio de Béxar was founded in 1718. Today, many of the city’s early architectural and cultural elements remain, allowing visitors to visit the historical sites in San Antonio and see into the city’s storied past first-hand.San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and the Alamo:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
In San Antonio, we celebrate our real heritage, and we hold our city’s true history in the highest regard. One of the many beautiful aspects of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is that though it is a site steeped in history, it is still very much a thriving, active community today. Enjoy exploring what is old while discovering what is new. Along with the Alamo and Mission Espada’s off-site livestock operation in Floresville, Rancho de las Cabras, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park was named the first World Heritage Site in Texas by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO), and includes the city’s four southernmost Spanish colonial missions – Concepción, San José, San Juan and Espada. In the 18th century, Spanish priests established these five Catholic missions along the San Antonio River to serve as the center of an ethnically diverse society. Today, the missions – walled compounds encompassing a church and buildings where the priests and local Native Americans lived – represent the largest concentration of Spanish colonial missions in North America.
San Antonio Tours
Mission San José
"Queen of the Missions." Established in 1720, San José y San Miguel de Aguayo is the largest mission in San Antonio. Spanish designers built the mission using Texas limestone and brightly colored stucco. At its height, it provided sanctuary and a social and cultural community for more than 300 Indians. In 2011, it underwent a $2.2 million renovation to refinish interior domes, walls, and the altar backdrop. When visiting the church, be sure to look for flying buttresses, carvings, quatrefoil patterns, polychromatic plaster, and the famed "Rose Window," a superb example of Spanish Colonial ornamentation.Mission Concepción
Dedicated in 1755, the church at Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña remains true to its original design, look and feel. In fact, the church stands as the oldest unrestored stone church in the United States. Exterior paintings have faded, but if you peek inside, you can still see original frescos in some of the church rooms.Mission San Juan Capistrano
Established in 1731, Mission San Juan’s fertile farmlands used to allow for a self-sustainable community, and its surplus helped supply the region with produce. Today, the chapel and bell tower are still in use. When visiting, don’t miss the typical Romanesque archway at the entrance gate. For outdoor fun, take a self-guided tour on the nature trail that begins at this mission and leads to the river.Mission Espada
The southernmost mission in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Mission Espada was established in 1731 and boasts the best-preserved segment of the area’s original irrigation system that was used to bring water to the fields. In 1826, a fire destroyed most of the mission buildings at Espada, with only the chapel, granary, and two of the compound walls remaining. Today, part of the original irrigation system still operates the Espada aqueduct and dam. Guided tours of the property are available every first Saturday of the month. Self-guided walking tours are available during park hours. Be sure to explore the installation near Espada, the massive Arbol de Vida, or Tree of Life that displays the personal stories and tales of San Antonio locals. And, visitors should note the unusual door and stone archway – they make for great photos!Mission San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo)
The Alamo, founded in 1718, was the first mission in San Antonio, serving as a way station between east Texas and Mexico. In 1836, decades after the mission had closed, the Alamo became an inspiration and a motivation for liberty during the Texas Revolution. Today, located on Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio, the Alamo houses exhibits on the Texas Revolution and Texas History. Visitors are invited to experience interactive history lessons, guided tours, and stroll through the beautiful Alamo Gardens. Just a short distance from the River Walk, the Alamo is a "must-see" for all who visit the Alamo City.San Antonio Culture
At its core, our city is dynamic. Our roots run deep, our heritage is rich and our confluence of cultures is celebrated. Our population and cultural influences are diverse – Mexican, Tejano, German, Irish, Czechoslovakian and more – and our appreciation of that diversity makes our city shine. We !Viva! for Fiesta, we wear silver and black for our Spurs, and we beam with pride in our distinction of Military City USA®. Really, we can turn any occasion into a celebration. And, we are incredibly proud of that, too. Come explore what is old and discover what is new in our diverse communities, offerings and celebrations – book your next trip today and see what we mean.
- Hispanic Heritage Our roots run deep. Over 300 years deep.
- Cowboy Culture In San Antonio, we rodeo.
- German Heritage Yes, we have German roots, too.
- Black Heritage The Eastside is the soul of the city.
- Military City USA We take pride in celebrating our active service men and women, and veterans.
- LGBTQ+ Friendly, welcoming and celebratory.
- Car Culture Hop on in. And, take a ride.
- Culinary Heritage San Antonio might just be the world’s largest kitchen.
- Fiesta San Antonio In San Antonio, culture sings.
- Day of the Dead Discover magic. And, experience the unforgettable spectacle of San Antonio’s annual Día de Muertos celebrations.
- Diwali One of the largest Indian festivals in the country. Diwali San Antonio draws thousands of people to the Alamo City to celebrate this ancient Indian festival also known as the Festival of Lights.
- Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival an event celebrating Native American heritage and its influence on the American West.
- Searching for Selena Selena is one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century. She remains a legendary artist who has become a bicultural icon.
Our brave old world is your next, new adventure. View these historical sites and landmarks with modern-day events, celebrations, and fun.
Thanks Visit San Antonio!
