Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.nps.gov/saan
)
Spain's missionary presence can best be felt at the ruins of the four mis-
sions south of town:
Missions Concepción
(1731),
San José
(1720),
San Juan
(1731) and
Espada
(1745-56). Religious ser vices are still held in the mission churches of San José, San Juan
and Espada, and the mariachi Mass at Mission San José at 12:30pm on Sunday is a San
Antonio tradition.
From downtown, VIA transit bus 42 goes to San José. The Texas Trolley tours visit San
José and Concepción. Otherwise, rent a bicycle or drive. From downtown, take St Mary's
St south until it becomes Mission Rd, then follow the brown signs indicating pointing to
the missions.
Mission Concepción
MAP
HISTORIC BUILDING
(807 Mission Rd; 9am-5pm)
The first mission along the trail features a Spanish colonial
church built in 1755. It's a passably interesting stop for history buffs, and essential for
anyone who doesn't do things by half.
Mission San José
MAP
HISTORIC BUILDING
(6701 San José Dr; 9am-5pm)
Known in its time as the Queen of the Missions, it's cer-
tainly the largest and arguably the most beautiful of all on the Mission Trail. Because it's a
little more remote and pastoral, surrounded by thick stone walls, you can really get a sense
of what life was like here in the 18th and 19th centuries. It's also the location of the main
visitor center.
Ranger-led tours cover life in the mission and show up close the magnificent church
and its famous rose window, a stunningly carved masterpiece attached to the sacristy. The
best time to visit would absolutely be on Sundays at 12:30pm, when a mariachi Mass is
held.
Mission San Juan
(9102 Graf Rd; 9am-5pm)
The most somber of the missions, this is the next stop if you're on
the let's-see-them-all plan. The surviving church is open, as is a small visitor center and a
quarter-mile nature trail along the river.
HISTORIC BUILDING
Mission Espada
HISTORIC BUILDING
