Mission San José

The second mission stop on the trail is the grandest in terms of size and architectural detail, so much so, in fact, that over 200 years ago it was termed "Queen of the Missions." Founded in 1720 by Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus, in its heyday Mission San José boasted 300 residents, a granary that held 5,000 bushels of corn, and elaborate ornamentation. Its full name is San José y Miguel de Aguayo, named for the Governor of Texas at that time.

You may find yourself humming "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" when traveling the mission route to this second site. The route mapped by the Park Service is the most scenic but not the most direct. Just follow the signs, and be patient; when you do reach San José, the drive will have been worth the effort. Thanks to an extensive renovation in 1936 for the Texas Centennial, this mission is in spectacular condition. The elegant structure echoes with reminders of an earlier time, when Texas was a frontier and this mission was a haven in an unsettled land. The most famous detail here is "Rose Window." Legend has it that an architect named Pedro Huizar created the window for his lost love, Rosa. (When you're downtown, look at the Dillard's exterior window displays at the Rivercenter Mall. These are copies of Rosa's Window, built by the former Joske's store.)

Begin your visit with a stop at the modern visitors center adjacent to Mission San José to pick up a free Park Service brochure (a necessity for driving the Mission Trail)then start your self-guided tour of the chapel. The flagstone floor has borne thousands of worshippers, from barefooted Native Americans two centuries ago to tennis-shoed tourists today.

Walk around the grounds to get an idea of the size of this former community. Indians lived in rooms along the outside wall, and the priests lived in the two-story convento. The land in the quadrangle was used for crops. The theme of San Jose is "The Mission as Social Center and a Center for Defense." Displays show that Indian residents were taught the use of guns and lances to help defend against raiding Apache and Comanche Indians. The mission also shows a 23-minute film about early mission life.

Location: 6539 San Jose Dr., San Antonio
(210) 932-1001

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