San Antonio Day 2

We decided to continue our journey on the San Antonio Missions Trail. It consists of five missions in the San Antonio area that are part of the National Park system. The furthest north is the Alamo, which is downtown San Antonio. Be sure to click on the names of each mission to get a full story and even better pictures! It is more interesting than I could tell, and I won't have to add so much to the blog:)!

Mission Concepcion The stones to build this mission were from a quarry located on the grounds. It must have been a huge area above ground for the amount of stones needed, and the relatively small indentation in the ground.
Quarry

Front of chapel and quarters to the right

Close up of door handle

and door

Paintings on ceiling

Bell pull cord

Wall Paintings



Mission San Jose is considered to be the "Queen" due to the size of the complex. I think it also has to do with the craftsmanship and detail as well.

The Indian quarters

The detail of the Rose Window is amazing. Folklore credits a carpenter and surveyor from Spain with carving the famous window as a monument to his sweetheart, Rosa. Tragically, on her way from Spain to join him, Rosa was lost at sea. It was completed as a declaration of enduring love. A more likely theory is that the window as named after Saint Rose of Lima, the first saint of the New World.

More exquisite detail above the main door

As well as the painted detail on this outside wall


Mission San Juan is still being used for worship today.


Again, the doors are fascinating!



Mission Espada continues to be used today

This door had a unique setting as well


I always watch for the most unusual sites during a trip. I think this is it, at least so far! In checking online for the artist's name, Tom Otterness, it looks like he has other public sculptures as well. So whimsical! Click on Makin' Hay below to see them.
Makin' Hay



Another great day of retirement!