Just down the road from Mission Concepcion is the second stop, Mission San Jose. Mission San Jose was founded in 1720 and was a major social center. It was known as “Queen of the Missions” and it’s very apparent when walking the property. It is huge. The entire mission appears still in tact. The layout of the area shows the importance of “community” hundreds of years ago.
This is the main entrance that we walked thru to enter the mission. You can see the enormous stone walls. These walls surrounded the entire property used for protection against enemies. It’s like a Southern fort. The property is so nice, I’ll let the pictures do the talking on these.
You can kind of see the distance on how far these walls travel. (Bottom Left)
Old fountain inside the building. Hopefully no one fell in with those steps! (Bottom Right)
Each of these doors represent where the community members lived which lined the entire perimeter of the Mission. Each door was just a single room home. The inside / center of the Mission is just a large, open grass area presumably used for crops.
I can’t get over how beautiful this place is! (This was also Sy’s favorite Mission.)
The detail is exquisite. It’s amazing how well preserved it all is. As we were walking thru I mentioned to Sy how beautiful it was, especially with the landscaping and plants that are mixed in and how I imagine it is quite a popular place to have bridal pictures done. As we were walking out, a bride (in her dress) was walking in.
Next up… San Juan, Espada and the Alamo!
Hey Diana! Great post here, and very beautiful pictures. The missions of Texas represent a very rich tradition. I taught “Texas History” in middle school a few years ago and learned so much alongside my students. Since I’m a Kentucky girl, I had no idea what all this was about!!!!!
p.s. You’re welcome to my front porch anytime.
Blessings,
Nicole @ Three 31
http://nicoleandkevin.wordpress.com/