Everyone remembers The Alamo, but UNESCO wants us to remember far more than that so they bestowed World Heritage status on the Alamo and San Antonio Missions in Texas, honoring this collection of five missions, which were built by Franciscan missionaries in the 18th century, as “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.”

Alamo Mission - San Antonio Missions

The Alamo, aka the Alamo Mission.

The Alamo and San Antonio Missions

The Alamo is most famous as the site where Mexican fighters trounced the “Texican” army (yes, that was the real name), a defeat which created the rallying cry “remember The Alamo” and inspired others to battle the Mexicans and ultimately take huge tracts of land for the US. But The Alamo is also a mission which is located in the center of modern-day San Antonio. The San Antonio Missions are scattered around the surrounding area. Here’s a look at The Alamo and San Antonio Missions.

Mission Espalda - San Antonio Missions

Mission Espalda, part of the San Antonio Missions group inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Mission Concepcion - San Antonio Missions

Mission Concepcion, part of the San Antonio Missions group inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Mission San Jose - San Antonio Missions

Mission San Jose, part of the San Antonio Missions group inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Mission Espalda bells - San Antonio Missions

The bell tower at Mission Espalda.

Alamo Mission - San Antonio Missions

The Alamo Mission at night.

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