Alicia SerratoThey say if walls could talk, the ones in churches in San Antonio would have some pretty epic stories—centuries of prayers, weddings, and maybe even a few secrets tucked in the pews.
Yes, we’ve all driven past these places a hundred times. But when we finally stop to look closer, we realize they’re more than just landmarks; they’re living pieces of history.
From stunning architecture to that peaceful hush you only get when you step inside, these churches remind us why San Antonio has such soul. Let’s take a tour together and see which ones deserve a spot on everyone’s must-visit list.
1. San Fernando Cathedral
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Website: https://sfcathedral.org
Address: 115 Main Plaza, TX 78205
Contact: +1 210-227-1297
Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
San Fernando Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in San Antonio, founded in 1731 by families from the Canary Islands. It is known as the oldest standing church building in Texas, still in use today. It has long been a symbol of San Antonio’s roots.
The cathedral is notable for its distinctive blend of Spanish Colonial and Gothic Revival architectural styles. The original colonial walls are still inside the sanctuary, while later additions include tall twin towers, stained glass windows, and carved stone details.
But it is more than just a historic building. It is a place where thousands of people gather for mass, baptisms, and other events. It also welcomes tourists with open arms, offering a gift shop and hosting the city’s most popular cultural events.
| PRO TIP: Plan your trip around 9:00 PM every Tuesday to Sunday to witness The Saga. It’s a free 24-minute projection show that turns the cathedral into a glowing canvas of history and art. |
2. Mission Concepción
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Website: https://www.missionconcepcion.org
Address: 807 Mission Rd, TX 78210
Contact: +1 210-534-1540
Hours:
- Monday-Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Mission Concepcion is one of those places that makes you pause and take it all in. Built in the 1700s, it’s the oldest unrestored stone church in the county, and the fact that it remains standing strong is truly remarkable.
Stepping inside, you’ll immediately notice traces of old fresco paintings—faded, but still magical. It’s easy to imagine how bright and colorful the church must have been when those murals were first painted.
What makes Mission Concepcion even more special is that it’s not just a piece of history; it’s still a living parish. Every Sunday, mass is celebrated here, and you’ll find locals gathering just as people did hundreds of years ago.
| PRO TIP: Visit Mission Concepcion on Saturday at 10:00 AM for a free guided tour led by National Park Rangers. This is one of the few mornings when guided access is guaranteed, and the soft morning light makes the stonework and frescoes shine. |
3. Mission San Jose Church
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Website: https://www.missionsanjosechurch.org
Address: 701 E Pyron Ave, TX 78214
Contact: +1 210-922-0543
Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Mission San Jose is often referred to as the “Queen of the Missions” due to its impressive size and beauty. Founded in 1720, this church quickly became the heart of a thriving community, where families prayed, farmed, and lived in close proximity to one another.
Today, it continues to welcome visitors as an active parish. On Sundays, the parish comes alive with English and Spanish Masses, sometimes accompanied by mariachi music. Plus, it is one of San Antonio’s most stunning historic landmarks.
The architecture here is something you won’t forget. Most specifically, the famous Rose Window is the crown jewel. Its design is so delicate and mysterious that many call it one of the most beautiful pieces of Spanish colonial art in America.
| PRO TIP: During your visit, make sure to stop by the visitor center first and pick up a free Mission Passport booklet. Ranger will stamp it at each mission you visit, and it makes a great keepsake while encouraging you to see all five historic sites. |
4. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower
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Website: https://littleflowerbasilica.org
Address: 1715 N Zarzamora St, TX 78201
Contact: +1 210-735-9126
Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday-Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower is one of the city’s gems, and stepping inside feels like a combination of history, faith, and art all at once.
Built in 1929 during the Great Depression, it’s dedicated to St. Therese of Lisieux, lovingly called “The Little Flower.” Even though times were tough when it was built, the basilica rose up as a symbol of strength and devotion for the city.
The building itself is a beauty to behold. With its Beaux-Arts design and tall twin towers, it’s the kind of place that makes you stop and look closer. One tower is crowned with a bronze statue of St. Therese, and inside, you’ll find relics of the saint and her parents.
| PRO TIP: If possible, join the Basilica Heritage Tour in the afternoon, usually around 1:00 PM on select days. You’ll hear stories about towers and relics that most visitors never learn, and you might even discover a few hidden details you’d miss on your own. |
5. Mission San Francisco de la Espada
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Website: https://www.missionsanfranciscodelaespada.org/
Address: 10040 Espada Rd, TX 78214
Contact: +1 210-627-2064
Hours:
- Monday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Mission San Francisco de la Espada, often referred to as Mission Espada, is the oldest of the San Antonio missions. Founded in 1690 in East Texas and moved to its present location in 1731, it became a center of faith and daily life for the community.
The church’s design is simple yet beautiful, featuring Spanish Colonial elements such as a bell tower, stone archways, and a rustic doorway that welcomes visitors. One of its most unique details is the use of Moorish-style horseshoe arches.
What sets this church apart is not just its architecture but also its engineering. The mission’s acequia and aqueduct system, built in the 1700s, carried water to surrounding fields and is still in use today.
| PRO TIP: Don’t miss the short walk to the Espada Aqueduct, just a few minutes from the church. It’s the only Spanish colonial aqueduct still in use in the U.S., and seeing water flow through it centuries later is a hidden highlight many visitors overlook. |
6. St. Joseph Catholic Church
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Website: https://stjsa.org
Address: 623 E Commerce St, TX 78205
Contact: +1 210-227-0126
Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: Closed
St. Joseph Catholic Church feels like a story of faith and resilience right in the middle of downtown. Built in 1868 by German immigrants, it became their home for worship and community.
Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the charm of the Gothic Revival style. The tall spire and pointed arches make a striking first impression, while the stained glass windows, brought all the way from Munich in 1902, fill the church with vibrant light.
We specifically love how St. Joseph keeps its cultural roots alive. Masses are celebrated in English, Spanish, and even with mariachi music on some Sundays too.
| PRO TIP: Visit on the fourth Sunday of the month at 11:00 AM when the Liederkranz choir sings. Hearing sacred hymns in German, English, and Latin inside the historic church is an unforgettable experience most tourists never plan for. |
7. Mission San Juan
Website: https://www.nps.gov/saan/planyourvisit/sanjuan.htm
Address: 9101 Graf Rd, TX 78214
Contact: +1 210-534-0749
Hours:
- Monday-Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Mission San Juan is one of the most peaceful historic churches in San Antonio. First founded in 1716 and later relocated to its current home in 1731, it became a place where faith and daily life intersected.
The church itself may look modest, but that’s part of its charm. It’s surrounded by ruins, orchards, and gardens. Mission San Juan once supported itself with crops and an irrigation system that still carries water today.
What makes it special is its close connection to nature. The Yanaguana Trail winds along the San Antonio River, offering visitors a serene space to appreciate both history and wildlife.
| PRO TIP: Arrive just after 9:00 AM when the gates open and join a ranger-led tour of the demonstration farm. You’ll learn how the mission once thrived on its crops and irrigation system. |
8. Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church
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Website: https://ihmweb.godaddysites.com/
Address: 617 S Santa Rosa Ave, TX 78204
Contact: +1 210-226-8268
Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church has been part of San Antonio’s faith community since the early 1900s. The Claretian Missionaries first arrived in 1902, and by 1912, the church was blessed and opened to serve the city.
The church’s design makes it stand out among the city’s historic churches. Hand-painted stencils adorn its walls, colorful stained glass brings light into the sanctuary, and antique statues lend the space character.
One of the most unique treasures of this church is its historic bell. Originally from San Fernando Cathedral, it rang during the fall of the Alamo in 1836 and was later relocated here, providing Immaculate Heart of Mary with a direct link to Texas history.
| PRO TIP: Attend the Saturday bilingual mass and arrive a little early. This gives you time to enjoy the peaceful glow of the stained glass windows and get a closer look at the historic bell before the service begins. |
9. St. Mary’s Catholic Church
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Website: https://stmaryschurchsa.org/
Address: 202 N St Mary’s St, TX 78205
Contact: +1 210-226-8381
Hours:
- Monday-Sunday: Always Open
St. Mary’s Catholic Church has been serving downtown San Antonio since 1852. It was originally built for non-Spanish-speaking Catholics, offering services in both English and German.
The church’s Romanesque design is impressive, with tall arches and a grand interior modeled after Sacred Heart Church in Massachusetts. Later additions of decoration gave the sanctuary even more character, with seating for over 1,000 people.
Located right on the Riverwalk, St. Mary’s is more than a church; it’s a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. It offers daily Mass, confessions, and special parish events that bring people together.
| PRO TIP: Plan your visit during one of St. Mary’s community festivals. You may opt for the lively Food Fest, where parishioners serve homemade dishes and local flavors. |
10. The Alamo
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Website: https://www.thealamo.org
Address: 300 Alamo Plaza, TX 78205
Contact: +1 210-225-1391
Hours:
- Monday-Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
The Alamo, first founded in 1718 as Mission San Antonio de Valero, is one of the most visited historic sites in Texas. What began as a Spanish mission later evolved into a military fort, a hospital, and, most famously, the site of the Texas Revolution’s battleground.
The best part? It continues to rank among the best attractions in San Antonio, drawing visitors from around the world.
The church’s architecture is striking in its simplicity. Built from heavy limestone blocks, the design originally included twin bell towers and even a dome, although these were never completed. Later restorations added the familiar barrel-vaulted roof.
| PRO TIP: Reserve your complimentary ticket to enter the Alamo Church in advance, especially on weekends. For the best experience, visit in the morning when the light highlights the stone details beautifully. |
