This chain of missions alongside the San Antonio river are amongst the finest examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States. Unfortunately, these historic structures are all overshadowed by the Alamo, which has become part of American (and Texan) folklore.

"For the Alamo, the site was hard to explain since it has long been converted into some kind of national shrine of heroic battle for Americans."

Frederick's statement here is accurate. Almost every adult aged American has heard of the Alamo, but few actually know much about the missions themselves. Millions of Americans visit San Antonio every year, yet few actually visit the chain of missions that are the origin of San Antonio. Part of this American folklore is national, but much of it is specific to the "Republic of Texas". In fact, Texas was an independent country from March 2, 1836, to February 19, 1846, they had 5 different presidents over that period and set up embassies in Europe. Part of this Texas independence "spirit" is why the Alamo overshadows the rich heritage represented in the San Antonio Missions.

I didn't bother with the Alamo. Personally, I was satisfied by visiting the exterior for about 5-10 minutes. I have little interest in the battle, because I've heard plenty during elementary school. The Alamo itself adds little to the WHS, and ICOMOS expressed concerns over the inclusion/autheniticity of the site several times in their evaluation. In the end, it was added more for completion purposes and to satisfy Texans who wanted it inscribed.

Enough about the Alamo. The missions run by the national park service are the true gems of San Antonio. Logistically, these missions are noticeably easy to visit. You don't even need a car to visit all of them! A rare occurrence in the US! The San Antonio river and surrounding parklands are connected to each mission by walking and bike paths. Thanks to an excellent bike rental system (B-Cycle) throughout San Antonio it is a comfortable and scenic bike ride to ALL 5 missions and the Espada Aqueduct. The bike ride (which is not strenuous) was fantastic, the paths and bike stations are superbly maintained. I was pleased to enjoy the river while visiting every mission in 20-25 minute intervals.

Mission Concepción and Mission San José are the key missions to visit along the route. They are the most compete and impressive of the San Antonio Missions. Mission San Juan and Mission Espada are interesting, but there is considerably less on view. I did however enjoy the wonderfully unique door at Mission Espada. The Espada Aqueduct (1745), which is the oldest Spanish aqueduct in the United States is also worth a visit. The history mixed with a very pleasant bike ride will please most visitors, even if they already visited many representative examples of Spanish architecture.

Final thought. How do the San Antonio Missions compare to the missions in California, Arizona, or New Mexico? I found some of the interiors of Californian missions more impressive than their counterparts in San Antonio. I also found Mission San Xavier del bac in Tucson to be the most beautiful. The adobe missions between Santa Fe and Taos are memorable and unique. However, while some of the missions in the Southwest are equally impressive, in some cases more so, I think what make the San Antonio missions special is their concentration along one river and their completeness as a functioning whole representing the successful colonization of this particular region by the Spanish crown.