Saturday, May 26, 2012

Mission Concepcion, San Antonio

Mission Concepcion by vickylw
Mission Concepcion, a photo by vickylw on Flickr.
This mission is the oldest un-restored stone church in the country. The original colorful frescoes, though faded and worn away, can still be seen in part. They used some of the same earth pigments that are still used today. The frescoes were painted using the same technique used by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel. Established in 1716, then moved to San Antonio in 1731, the church took 20 years to build and was dedicated in 1755.

I especially liked the view through the ruined cloisters looking towards the church, the roof of which could just barely be seen through the window. Both of the missions we visited are still active churches today. Amazing history.

4 comments:

  1. Beautiful spread, Vicky! I loved the bit of history you included.

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  2. Thanks, Alex! I'm very drawn to historic stuff --- love that these missions are older than our country.

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  3. The trolley was a fun ride also! Both of the drivers we had were great story tellers who knew a lot of local history.

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