Mission San Francisco de la Espada

Mission San Francisco de la Espada is a Spanish colonial mission in San Antonio with a stone church and surrounding structures from that era. The compound remains active as a Catholic parish and sits within a larger network of historic missions along the San Antonio River.

The mission was established in 1690 and later relocated in 1731 to its present location along the San Antonio River. This move was part of a broader reorganization of Spanish colonial settlements in the region.

The mission served as a meeting point where indigenous and Spanish traditions coexisted through daily routines. You can still observe this blend in how the grounds are maintained and used for worship today.

The site is part of a national park and can be visited year-round with facilities scattered across the grounds. Expect uneven pathways and historic structures with limited modern amenities.

A sophisticated network of stone water channels built by indigenous workers in the 1700s still operates today and waters the fields. This irrigation system demonstrates the technical skills and knowledge that those workers brought to the mission.

Location: San Antonio

Inception: 1690

Architectural style: Spanish Colonial architecture, Colonial Revival architecture

Part of: San Antonio Missions

Address: Espada Rd.

GPS coordinates: 29.31780,-98.45000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:30