CULTURE HEART OF TEXAS

THE CULTURE

Heart of Texas

At its core, our city is dynamic. Cultures from all around the world come together in San Antonio. Explore them all at our renowned museums, galleries, and historic sites.

Discover History For Yourself Historical and cultural wonders are woven into the fabric of the Alamo City. Walk through San Antonio’s rich past and explore its vibrant city streets dotted with must-see galleries and museums.

Representing the largest collection of Spanish colonial missions in the United States, San Antonio’s combined total of five eighteenthcentury Spanish colonial missions— San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo), Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada—have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

THE ALAMO AND THE MISSIONS Step inside any of the five historic missions, and travel back in time and into the lives of the early Spanish settlers who founded what would become the city of San Antonio. Begin your historic journey at the Alamo, first established as Mission San Antonio de Valero in 1718. Now known as one of the most pivotal battle sites in the country, the Alamo became a military outpost in 1793, cementing its iconic role as a central locale on Texas’ road to independence. Next, Mission Concepción looks much as it did two centuries ago when it was first mission espada built, being the best-preserved Spanish colonial structure in the United States. On the church’s exterior, some of the original geometric designs are still visible. Inside, the frescoes remain vibrant, showcasing the stunning artwork typical of the time. Continue south to Mission San José, also known as the Queen of the Missions because it has the largest structure. Notice its striking rose window and façade, a lavish example of Spanish colonial ornamentation. You can also find a central visitor’s center here, as well as the departure point for free park ranger-guided tours. During the mid-1700s, Mission San Juan was known for its fertile farmlands and abundant crops, a prime example of a self- sustaining community. The mission also sustained fellow communities, providing goods to the surrounding regions as far south as Mexico. Finish up at Mission Espada, the southernmost mission. Take in the compound’s blacksmith shop, colonial-style irrigation system, and still-functioning kiln and spinning wheels for a glimpse into the Native American and Spanish settlers’ agrarian ways of life. Move among the missions using Mission Reach, which extends south of downtown to connect the River Walk to four of the five UNESCO status San Antonio Missions.

San Antonio Missions National Historic Park

Mission Reach winds through an eight-mile riparian woodland ecosystem, featuring smooth walking and biking paths punctuated by public art for a pleasant outdoor experience.

San Antonio Missions National Historic Park

San Antonio voted to the top 10 (#6) in the US Travel + Leisure