Mission San Juan

This mission, fully named San Juan Capistrano, was once completely self-sustaining, supplying all its own needs from cloth to crops. San Juan provided not only for its own agricultural needs, but it also supplied other communities in the area. Skilled artisans made ironwork and leather goods and wove cloth in the workshops.

To appreciate the natural richness of this area, take a hike on the San Juan Woodlands Trail. In about one-third of a mile, the trail winds along the low river bottom land and gives you a look at many of the indigenous plants used by the mission.

The chapel, with its bell tower and elaborate alter, was destroyed by a storm in 1886. In 1909 the building was repaired and in the 1960s it underwent an extensive renovation. Today it is an active parish church and a good example of how San Antonio continues to use its historic structures both for tourists and for the local community.

San Juan also has a small museum featuring items found at the site and artifacts typically used by missionaries in Texas. The theme of San Juan is "The Mission as a Economic Center," and displays show how this self-sufficient mission worked with others to provide food and goods.

Location: 9101 Graff Rd., San Antonio
(210) 534-0749

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