Presidio Chapel of San Elizario

Presidio Chapel of San Elizario is a religious building in Texas featuring traditional Spanish Mission architectural elements from the 19th century. The structure displays white plastered adobe walls, a bell tower, and characteristic rounded arches typical of this building style.

The building was founded in 1789 as a chapel for a military outpost, and the current structure dates to 1877 after earlier buildings were destroyed by weather and Rio Grande floods. This reconstruction reflects the resilience of early settlers in the region.

The chapel remains a religious hub for the San Elizario community and intertwines Spanish traditions with the daily life of people who live here. Visitors notice a building that serves not only for worship but also as a symbol of local identity.

The building is accessible by local road and opens on weekdays during set hours for visitors. Since it functions as an active worship site, it helps to note visiting hours and be respectful of prayer times.

The building is one of the last examples of late adobe construction in West Texas and houses four vertical bells and four horizontal buttresses. This carefully built structure displays craftsmanship techniques rarely seen in this region.

Location: San Elizario

Address: S side of plaza

GPS coordinates: 31.58472,-106.27278

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:41