Mission San Jose, 2005

(click on image to enlarge)

I was surprised at the great differences between these missions in San Antonio and ours here in California. California missions, like the rancheros that followed, are made of wood and adobe with terra cotta tiled roofs. The interiors of California's missions are often painted with simple colors and designs. Many missions have been rebuilt or had substantial renovations.


The San Antonio Missions, however, are made of stone and wood, the materials available to the builders. They are in their original state with little evidence of renovations. The interiors of all the missions are sparse and simple.

If you read about the missions, the literature will tell you that Mission Concepcion is the most attractive of the 5 missions. I beg to differ. Mission San Jose is the largest of the missions and the most ornate and was, in its day, the most active. Founded in 1720 (2 years after the Alamo), Its façade is reminiscent of Spanish and Italian Baroque architecture found in the cathedrals of Europe. (Click on image to enlarge)

Large communities grew up around many of California's missions. These missions are located outside of San Antonio and in close proximity along the San Antonio River. There are five missions that are all within 20 minutes of each other. When you arrive at a mission, you arrive in an area that looks nearly desolate. There are few houses around, the mission is sitting on a grassy knoll and it is quiet but for the crickets and birds. For someone more accustomed to the bustling of California's missions, these are quiet and calm, giving you a sense of the passage of time and the impression that you are discovering something that others have yet to find.