Side View Mission San Jose

This is the back side view of the Mission San Jose. This photo was taken during Easter season. This is a huge national park sight. If mobility is an issue, go around the huge parking area to the back of the Mission. Much easier to get into the site.

The Rose Window, Mission San Jose, San Antonio, Texas

The memorable view of the rose window is from the outside, where Pedro Huizar, San José’s carpenter, carved flowers into the stone around the window in the 1780s. Next to the Alamo, the rose window is the single most photographed object in San Antonio. The flowers shown here are not roses, but they are pomegranites. "The Pomegranite Window" just doesn't ring! So it is know as the "Rose Window." Many legends surround the carving of the window. Most are just that, legend.

Mission Concepcion, San Antonio

The Mission Concepcion is the most accessible of the Missions. It is in much the same condition as it was 250 years ago. There is a Park Service office located on site. Step inside the side archway and see the original murals painted when the Mission was completed.

Mission Espada, San Antonio

This little mission has much to offer. The park area has the original wall fortifications of that demostrate the military aspect of the Spanish occupation of the Texas lands. One can see the basic lay out of where the soldiers were housed and the original site of the mission is still visible. The Mission itself is very small. The door with its unique arch almost appears too small to pass through. There is a parish that still worships in the Mission and on the premises is a parsonage. If mobility is an issue, you can park on the side of the Mission. The Mission itself leans a bit to the left and is in a constant state of watchful repair. Don't be afraid...step inside.

Chapel Mission Espada

Another example of simple, yet inspiring, interior of the Mission Espada.

Holy Water Font, Mission Espada

Directly inside the unique front door of the Mission Espada is this rustic and humble Holy Water font. It remains one of my favorite memories of the Mission Trail of San Antonio.

Mission San Juan, San Antonio Texas

In the 1700's the Spanish established a series of outposts in the conquered region that would become Texas. These missions not only served to "convert" the Native Americans to Christianity they were forts for Spanish soldiers, and trade missions. In San Antonio, there is a wonderful one day exploration of the five Spanish missions. The Mission San Juan Capistrano is located the furthest from downtown San Antonio. It is a peaceful oasis, easily accessed, parking is simple, and there is volunteer in place most days to help with information.

Bells of Mission San Juan

The Mission San Juan has the iconic bells that are indicative of the Spanish mission architecture. This photo was taken on a spectacular day in San Antonio, Texas.

Chapel Mission San Juan

With the exception of the Alamo, the historic Missions of San Antonio are active parishes. This is the interior of the Mission San Juan.

Tribute to Native Americans-Mission San Juan

This little statue sits outside the entrance to the Mission San Juan. Tributes of rocks and stones are left at her feet.