As soon as I landed in San Antonio, Texas I was on a mission. A mission that involved racing to The Alamo while it was still lit by the night lights and the moon. I heard this was the best way to see it, sans the crowds. Evidently, I had not heard of Mission San Jose. Yet.
Mission San Jose in San Antonio, Texas
I barely dropped the luggage off in the hotel room before we scooted across the street to witness this well-known attraction in the late evening.
Touring a mission was on my bucket list and, even though there were several lovely ones in my neck of the woods, I was obsessed with doing so in Texas, at the Alamo. And it was nice, really nice.
But, then we went to Mission San Jose.
While the Alamo is the most widely known and visited mission, Mission San Jose was the most prosperous and used as the model for the other Texas missions. It is known as the “Queen of Missions” and I could easily see why.
It was reminiscent of many structures I had seen in Italy, with its ornate “rose window”, pronounced wooden doors and stone architecture.
Even the toilet was an architectural masterpiece.
I was taking this photo of a beautiful Misison San Jose walkway which turned out to be the restroom. I’m pretty sure this wasn’t established in 1720 like the rest of the place. But, I was happy for the flushing commode.
The interior of the quaint church was just as elaborate as the exterior. I could imagine the community members worshipping there.
I light a candle for my grandmother at every church I visit and this was no different.
Absolutely visit the Alamo, but don’t count out Mission San Jose. It is a beauty.
I've never heard of Mission San Jose, but it looks beautiful! I particularly love the California missions…Santa Barbara's and San Diego's are just exquisite. It looks like I need to get to Texas to see how they compare!
I heard that the San Diego missions are amazing. I’m going to check them out next time I’m in SoCal.
Oh wow it looks lovely! I would love to go crazy with my camera in there.
I would love to see the photos you would take. I’m sure they would be stunning!!
I totally agree! All the Missions of the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park are great and they have 1/10th the crowds that The Alamo has.
Unfortunately, I only was able to make it to the two, but I was definitely impressed!
I went to San Antonio once when I was in college. Unfortunately, the Alamo wasn't on my list of things to do back then — it was more sampling margaritas and Tex Mex.
Love the fact that you wanted to see it at night.
Margaritas can be a tourist attraction in Texas too ;)
Oh my goodness! Such a gorgeous place. The detail in the architecture is incredible. :-)
It was so gorgeous :)
lol.. i was smiling when i read about your taking photos of what turned out to be a bathroom. =)
i was skimming your posts and they are so entertaining! your humor and writing make the photos all the more intriguing. i have been to san antonio tons of times and i have no idea why i never went to this mission!!!! next time i will definitely round up my family to scout it out. thanks for the tip!
This is still one of the most beautiful Missions that I have been too!
I think that’s sweet that you light a candle for your grandmother every time you visit one.