Spring 2003 - Taken outside San Antonio, Texas.
Founded in 1720 by Fray Antonio Margil de Jesús, Mission San José became the largest Texas Mission. After early setbacks, 300 inhabitants were sustained by the vast fields and herds of livestock. A visitor in 1777 referred to the structure as the "Queen of the Missions." Other features are the convent area and the stairway to the belfry and choir loft - each of the 25 risers was hand-hewn from a single live-oak log and constructed without nails or pegs. Also featured is a granary with flying buttresses, a gristmill, restored defensive walls and quarters.
The church's carvings are among its most notable features and the famous "Rose Window" is considered one of the finest pieces of Spanish Colonial ornamentation in the country.
The missions in San Antonio are beautiful. We toured all of them in 2006. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteWow. Fascinating place. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletei am getting ready to show the same mission - we were there in Nov. 2013. they were fun to visit. enjoy your travels in Mexico. i have always wanted to go there ... i bet it is amazing. can't wait to see some great views. ( :
ReplyDelete«Louis» also posted a Mission San José from the same period, his being one of the 21 California missions founded by the Franciscans.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
ReplyDeleteLots of info in this post!
ReplyDeleteLiked this one. Strong structure with the rugged beauty of the stone and woodwork. The carvings are just wonderful to see.
ReplyDeleteGolly! Those carvings are really something - and stand out even more because of the contrast with the rough walls, i think.
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