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4.5
338 votes

Mission Espada

Loop 410, San Antonio, Texas 78214 USA

Free
Free to Visit
Open Now
Fri 9a-5p
  • Independent
  • Public
    Restrooms
  • Outdoor
    Seating
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“founded in 1690...wicked old”

Founded in 1690 as San Francisco de los Tejas near present-day Weches, Texas, this was the first mission in Texas. In 1731, the mission transferred to the San Antonio River area and renamed Mission San Francisco de la Espada. A friary was built in 1745, and the church was completed in 1756.Following government policy, Franciscan missionaries sought to make life within mission communities closely resemble that of Spanish villages and Spanish culture. In order to become Spanish citizens and productive inhabitants, Native Americans learned vocational skills. As plows, farm implements, and gear for horses, oxen, and mules fell into disrepair, blacksmithing skills soon became indispensable. Weaving skills were needed to help clothe the inhabitants. As buildings became more elaborate, mission occupants learned masonry and carpentry skills under the direction of craftsmen contracted by the missionaries.After secularization, these vocational skills proved beneficial to post-colonial growth of San Antonio. The legacy of these Native American artisans is still evident throughout the city of San Antonio today.

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Reviewed by
Nat.in.Hat

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
August 06, 2022
Rated 5.0

Very beautiful small mission

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Reviewed by
melissachavez1

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
August 04, 2017
Rated 5.0

Very quiet and lovely. The staff are sweet and so helpful.

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Reviewed by
elise_clarke

  • 5 Reviews
  • 3 Helpful
June 22, 2015
Rated 4.0

Beautiful and quite - great place to visit!

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Reviewed by
Celeste

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
March 19, 2015
Rated

Enjoyed the Mission very peaceful they have a cool prayer tree that you write your prayers on colorful leafs we had a large group of kids it was good we went in February

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Mission Espada

Loop 410
San Antonio, Texas
78214 USA
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Hours

Open now until 5:00 pm
  • Sun - Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Parking
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    Pets Allowed
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    Restrooms
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    Wifi
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    Wheelchair Accessible
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    Credit Cards Accepted
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    Outdoor Seating
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Parking, Dining

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