San Fernando Cathedral

Construction began on the cathedral shortly after Canary Island colonists, granted land and title by Spain’s King Phillip V, settled here in 1731. Completed in 1750, San Fernando now stands as the oldest cathedral sanctuary in the U.S. and remains an active parish of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Gen. Santa Anna raised the red flag of “no quarter” from the cathedral during the siege of the Alamo; a new dome replaced one that collapsed in 1872. Site of historic papal visit in 1987.

Getting There & Details

Address
115 Main Plaza
Map
Get Directions →

More Things to Do

Leave room for the unexpected.

The best parts of a trip rarely show up on an itinerary.

Guinness World Records Museum & Ripley’s Haunted Adventure

San Antonio's two newest attractions are both in one location - directly across from the…

Learn more →

Stay a little longer.

Rushing through a place rarely does it justice.

Mission San Francisco de la Espada

Established 1731, favorite of many students of Spanish period in Texas, and popular with photographers.…

Learn more →

Make time for quiet places.

Not every destination needs noise to be meaningful.

Alamo Museum – D.R.T. Library

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library, located inside the Alamo walls and south…

Learn more →

Let the road decide.

Plans are useful, but flexibility is where the real discoveries happen.

Alamo Cenotaph

Dominating the plaza in front of the Alamo, the monument was designed by Pompeo Coppini,…

Learn more →

Explore all of San Antonio →

Events in San Antonio

Nearby Lakes & Parks