Concepción (1731)
One of the most attractive of the San Antonio missions, the church at Concepción looks essentially as it did more than 200 years ago, when it stood at the center of local religious activity. The mission was well known for its religious celebrations. Not visible today are the colorful geometric designs that originally covered the exterior surface of the mission. Inside, however, are original paintings of religious symbols and architectural designs.
In that opening paragraph (that I stole off the Internet), it mentions some original paintings and designs. These are those paintings.
Instead of my own photo, I decided to put the photo of a bride having her wedding picture taken at the mission.
San José (1720)
Soon after the building of the Alamo, a second mission was founded in 1720 about five miles downstream. Named San José, this new mission was established by Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus. A model among the Texas missions, San José gained a reputation as a major social and cultural center. Among the San Antonio missions, it also provided the strongest garrison against raids from Indians.
This is a beautiful place.
Photos above and below:
La Ventana de Rosa, the Rose Window, is located on the south wall of the church sacristy. The window has been described as the site where the Host was shown to gathered mission celebrants during the Feast of Pentecost. The window, sculpted ca. 1775, has been the object of both legend and admiration. It is considered one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in North America. The meaning behind the name is currently unknown, but legend has it named for Rosa, the betrothed of Juan Huizar who many believe created the window.
Fine
carvings on the facade of Mission San José Church gave it the title,
"Queen of the Missions".
This is a working mill on the property.
The inside of the church is positively beautiful.
Of course, I had to light a candle.
Same hat, same shirt - not much changes!
