Easter break saw us heading to San Antonio. I have been to San Antonio numerous times and yet I have visited the Missions only once. This time, the idea was to spend less time on the Riverwalk (it didn’t happen) and to visit all the Missions (it did happen).

The weather gods were definitely with us as we explored the world heritage sites and soaked in the beauty. It didn’t feel like the Texas I know. The Missions with their stone architecture and crumbling ruins took me back to Europe.

There are five Missions in the present day San Antonio area built by the Spaniards in the 1700’s along the San Antonio river. These Missions were more than churches. They were communities with farms, houses, granaries and more. They were building blocks of the society we know today.

Mission San Francisco de la Espada (Mission Espada) was the first place we stopped and it is probably my favorite of all the Missions. It was beautiful.

There exists a hike and bike trail along the San Antonio river leading to all the Missions. The next time I visit San Antonio, I plan to bike along and visit the Missions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mission San Juan Capistrano was our second stop. The renovated stark-white building stood out amidst the spring greens of Texas.

 

Mission San Jose was our  next stop. Established by the Franciscan friars in East Texas, the mission moved to San Antonio in 1731. The place has some frescos for the years gone by and a very beautiful rose window.  This is quite a favorite spot for photographers and there were quite a few photo sessions in progress. There are also rooms restored to depict the life in those days.

We wrapped up our morning at Mission Concepcion (which is also an active parish).