San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour

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As one of the most historic cities in the country, San Antonio is seeped in culture and tales of the past, making a motorcoach tour / historical tour a great way to experience it. On the San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour, visitors will enjoy learning about the missions of the past and their impact on San Antonian culture of the modern day. Set off on this adventure to learn about five sites that made up a huge part of San Antonio's intriguing past. 

During this Grayline tour, guests will enjoy 3.5 hours of interesting history. See the different mission sites as well as watch the award-winning 'Gente de Razon' film. See the Rose Window and the irrigation system, Espada Aqueduct & Acequia. During the tour, you will also be able to hear live and recorded narrated history about the Spanish Missions and San Antonio. 

Comprised of four different missions plus the Alamo, the San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Site is brimming with historical significance. At these missions, the San Antonian culture - derived from Catholicism and dedication to the Spanish crown - truly began to blossom into its own set of cultural beliefs. The missions were sites where the Spanish set out to colonize, meaning the first settlers of San Antonio visited these religious sites. There are remains to learn about at the sites including: 

• Architectural & Archaeological Structures
• Farmlands
• Cattle Grounds
• Residences
• Churches
• Workshops including Kilns, Wells, Walls, and Water Distribution Systems

During your time at the San Antonio Missions, you will be entranced with a variety of unique demonstrations and learn all about the cultures interwoven into San Antonian culture: Catholicism, Spanish rule, Coahuiltecan inhabitants, and more. Since these missions were created in the 18th century, this is a great place to get a unique look into the past from its architectural wonders to its cultural and religious significance. The missions that make up the site include:

• Mission Concepcion: The church was originally dedicated in 1755 and currently boasts the reputation of being the oldest unrestored stone church in the country. Guests can see the original frescos that were in the church, learn about the cultures of the area at the Four Voices Exhibits, and can even attend a service at the church as it is still an operating parish to this day. 

• Mission San Jose: Founded by Father Farmin Francisco de Lasuen, the San Jose Mission was founded in 1797. The current site stands mostly intact and even holds services in its walls. The mission's original intent was to bring the native people Christianity and teach them the ways of Spanish daily life. 

• Mission San Juan: This mission was founded by Spanish colonists in 1731. It was named for Saint John of Capestrano. At this site, the mission raised livestock and even featured some of the most primitive and unique irrigation systems in the area. The mission owned 1,000 cattle along with 3,500 sheep and goats as well as 100 horses. 

• Mission Espada: This mission was the very first mission in the state of Texas and was founded in 1690. Although its original site was not the San Antonio River area, this is the mission that has been in operation the longest. Here, Catholics converted native people and taught them to be Spanish citizens. The mission taught vocational skills, blacksmithing skills, and weaving skills. Masonry, carpentry, and farm-rearing were the most important skills taught at the Mission. 

If you enjoy history, San Antonio, TX is a great place to go. Be sure to embark upon the San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour! Learn about four different missions in the San Antonio River Basin and gain new insight on the wonders of San Antonio's past.