Saturday, December 21, 2013

Historical San Antonio Treasure: Mission Concepción

Earlier this week, I took a tour of Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña or "Mission Concepción" as it is known by the locals here in San Antonio, TX.

Mission Concepción dates back to the early 1700's.   The mission is one of several historical architectural Spanish missions in the city and one that attracts locals and tourists alike.  

Today, the mission serves as a fully functional parish church.

Early History

The early missions were unwalled communities built of wood or adobe.   Much later, as the problems arose between the northern tribes and the mission residents, the structures were encircled by stone walls.    Very skilled craftsmen and artisans were recruited from New Spain and along with the mission Indians, these immense structures were built.  

Artisans preserved the basic Spanish model, modified as frontier conditions dictated.

Enduring the centuries and the elements for over 250 years, Mission Concepción stands as one of the country's oldest original stone churches.   Not only did the mission serve as a spiritual center, it also provided instruction to the local Indians (Coahuiltecan Region in Texas) by the Spanish Franciscan missionaries.

By combining the teachings of Catholic Spain with the native cultures, mission life gave rise to the unique culture of modern-day South Texas.

More Information
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park park link






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