San Antonio Missions
The site encompasses a group of five
frontier mission complexes situated along a stretch of the San Antonio
River basin in southern Texas, as well as a ranch located 37 kilometres
to the south. It includes architectural and archaeological structures,
farmlands, residencies, churches and granaries, as well as water
distribution systems. The complexes were built by Franciscan
missionaries in the 18th century and illustrate
the Spanish Crown’s efforts to colonize, evangelize and defend the
northern frontier of New Spain. The San Antonio Missions are also an
example of the interweaving of Spanish and Coahuiltecan cultures,
illustrated by a variety of features, including the decorative elements
of churches, which combine Catholic symbols with indigenous designs
inspired by nature.