Mission Espada, San Antonio

4.7

#8 of 27 in Historic Sites in San Antonio

Mission · Hidden Gem · Tourist Spot

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One of the missions within the UNESCO-designated San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and the first Spanish mission in Texas, Mission Espada showcases a well-preserved acequia, a centuries-old irrigation system. Observe the still-functioning aqueduct and dam, which have been transferring water from the San Antonio River to the mission since their construction between 1731 and 1740. Also, check out the irregular arch of the church doorway, which some theorize to be a Moorish design feature and others just a mishap in construction. By using our San Antonio trip planning app, you can arrange your visit to Mission Espada and other attractions in San Antonio.

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Tours to Mission Espada

FROM $65 BOOK WITH VIATOR San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour

4.8

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

Tours from $65 ›

FROM $134 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Missions and More - Half-day City Tour Private Missions and More - Half-day City Tour

5.0

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

Tours from $134 ›

FROM $71 BOOK WITH VIATOR Small-Group World Heritage San Antonio Missions Guided Tour Small-Group World Heritage San Antonio Missions Guided Tour

5.0

Duration: 4 hours

Tours from $71 ›

FROM $79 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private UNESCO Missions Tour in San Antonio Private UNESCO Missions Tour in San Antonio

5.0

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Tours from $79 ›

FROM $100 BOOK WITH VIATOR Self-guided Electric Bike Mission Tour Self-guided Electric Bike Mission Tour

4.7

Duration: 3 hours

Tours from $100 ›

Mission Espada reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

474 reviews

Google

4.8

By volcanogirl

This was the first mission that we visited since we started from the South and worked our way back towards downtown. It's one of the smaller missions, but we thought it was the prettiest of the...

This was the first mission that we visited since we started from the South and worked our way back towards downtown. It's one of the smaller missions, but we thought it was the prettiest of the... more »
By Bob G

This is a lesser-known Old Spanish Mission, but it looks different than the others because of the use of bricks that were made onsite. It is not the most impressive of the Missions but worth a look..... more

This is a lesser-known Old Spanish Mission, but it looks different than the others because of the use of bricks that were made onsite. It is not the most impressive of the Missions but worth a look..... more »

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Google

By Cataleya Vee

Wow so much history is in this area so beautiful to take the kids out to explore and learn about our missions history. Also they hold Mass in the small church.

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By Rachel Miner

A great stop for families. The church here does service. The paths are great to walk around and learn a bit of history. It is near the other missions.

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