Mission San Jose Church Parish Offices — Attraction in San Antonio

This mission is the largest among the 5 frontier missions built by Spanish missionaries in the early 18th century and now designated as UNESCO heritage sites. This mission also seems to be the most popular mission after the Alamo, as I saw quite a number of tour groups (which are absent in the other 3 missions). For those travelling on public transport, bus 40 links the Alamo to the 4 missions (including Mission San Jose) every 30 minutes, 7 days a week. (I bought a day pass for $2.75 on the VIA goMobile app, which allowed unlimited bus rides in San Antonio.) After travelling 3 miles south from the Alamo, the first mission I saw is Mission Concepcion, and after another 2.5 miles, I reached Mission San Jose. While the mission is visible from the main road, the whole compound is actually walled and there are 2 entrances to the compound, facing east and south, away from the main road. Not only is Mission San Jose the largest of the 5 missions, it is also the most beautiful, thanks to its elaborate facade and beautiful arches. The interior is also beautifully restored, but unlike the other 4 missions, is not air-conditioned. Along the wall of the compound are several rooms displaying the history of the mission and the Spanish colonial era. Outside the south entrance there is a small information center with washrooms and...

My experience is a Ancient Holy Ground, if there is evil present with you and pulls you back, keep moving forward, so you can be saved, you will be blessed in full and will be protected, I am born Catholic and a believer in the catholic way, I am also a believer in Christian as well and I know there are a lot of good religions out there, can't wait to learn more about good, Catholic saved my life against evil, evil that haunts your dreams and soul, Christian saved the loved I have for God and connected me in away I was never truly connected when it comes to the heart of God, but I'll tell you this I rather have two religions then none, my path is unique and my beliefs are beyond this world, make sure you pick out a cross and get the cross blessed by a priest, plus don't forget Holy water, light a candle for blessing, touch the Virgin Mary and pray to Jesus Christ, God's family loves you and the Mission church brings faith, love and Protection, even if your just walking around the building you will be blessed. I promise with all my heart and Soul, God and the holy family is present at all time, you can feel the holy blessing of God's miracles and family, because in truth we are all family from the father, the sun and the holy...

Mission San Jose is considered the crown jewel, largest, and most in tact mission of the four on the south side of San Antonio.

Like the other four missions, this one is still a functional church, and has been since the first half of the 1700’s.

Take your time at this mission, there is really a lot to see here. The walls around the mission are still standing, and the church itself is in pristine shape.

Make sure you look for the famous Rose Window on one of the sides of the church and admire the ornate stone carvings around the glass. There is a sign near it that explains who built it, how long it took to make it, and some of the lore around it. The exact reason behind it isn’t really known, but there are several theories or stories.

You also get to see quarters where the local American Indians lived.

The National Park headquarters are located here. They have a visitor center with a gift shop, some exhibits showing what life was like back then, and also a (free) short movie you can watch. I highly recommend watching this movie before you start walking and exploring - it will give you some perspective from the American Indian's side of things and is pretty...