Mission Concepcion Tower

by Joan Carroll

Title

Mission Concepcion Tower

Artist

Joan Carroll

Medium

Photograph - Digital Art

Description

There are four other Spanish Missions around San Antonio TX, now all part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This mission is commonly called Mission Concepcion. But it is named Mission Nuestra Senora de la Purisima Concepcion de Acuna, named in honor of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and Juan de Acuna, the Marques de Casafuerte who was Viceroy of New Spain (Mexico) when the mission transferred from East Texas to the San Antonio River area in 1731. The church took about 20 years to build, and was dedicated in 1755. It appears very much as it did over two centuries ago. Due to the fact that it was built directly on bedrock, it never lost its roof, or its integrity. It remains the least restored of the local colonial structures. It is an excellent example of Spanish Colonial architecture. A variety of features were incorporated into the construction of this and other existing mission churches. Intricate Renaissance and Moorish details complement Romanesque forms and gothic arches. It is a cruciform (cross-shaped) building of limestone. The roof is vaulted with a dome, with which recent research is suggesting a deliberate placement of windows to illuminate the two side altars on specific feast days. Twin bell towers may have been topped by crosses similar to those in place today. The church walls are 45 inches thick; however only the inside and outside facings are of solid stone - between the two layers is a filling of small stones and building debris. The native residents of the missions provided labor for the building of these churches. This activity was one way to foster a sense of community and provide a means of training the mission residents as artisans.

FEATURED PHOTO, The Road To Self Promotion group, 9/1/15

Uploaded

September 1st, 2015

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