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San Fernando Cathedral

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If you're touring San Antonio, the San Fernando Cathedral is hard to miss. Still an active house of worship, the cathedral is one of the oldest in the country, constructed in the mid-1700s by colonists from the Canary Islands . It was here that Wild West legend James Bowie was married and that General Antonio López de Santa Anna indicated his plans for the Alamo . Local legend claims that many heroes from the Alamo battle (including Davy Crockett) are buried here in an unmarked tomb. Despite enduring damage from a fire in the 19th century, the San Fernando Cathedral maintains its antique appearance, beckoning you to tour its breathtaking interior.

While the interior is open during the day, travelers insist that you visit the church at night to take advantage of the free light show. Every Tuesday through Sunday at 9 and 9:30 p.m., a dazzling video art installation entitled "The Saga" is projected onto the building's facade.  You'll want to double-check the Main Plaza website to make sure the show is occurring.

The San Fernando Cathedral dominates downtown San Antonio, and sits just blocks from the Spanish Governor's Palace. Several bus lines serve the nearby plaza; visitors with cars can park in a garage or lot nearby. The cathedral is also a featured stop on several of the  best San Antonio tours . The cathedral is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Entry is free, but it's a good idea to check the San Fernando Cathedral website to avoid interrupting Mass.

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#1 River Walk

Many agree that the best way to see San Antonio is by taking a stroll along the River Walk, or Paseo del Rio . San Antonio's most-visited tourist attraction meanders along the banks of the San Antonio River through the center of the city, connecting major attractions like Brackenridge Park and the San Antonio Museum of Art . Flanking the River Walk are dozens of restaurants, boutique hotels and sidewalk cafes shaded by colorful umbrellas. Street performers often fill the air with mariachi music.

If you want to see the River Walk from a different vantage point, try a boat tour. GO RIO offers a variety of cruises, including two-hour dinner cruises, short narrated excursions, private charters and river shuttle service from downtown to Museum Reach. Ticket fees vary depending on what type of journey you want, but you can expect to pay at least $14.50 per person, with discounts for locals, children, seniors and military members.

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The Light Show at the San Fernando Cathedral

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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The Light Show at the San Fernando Cathedral - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Embracing San Antonio's Rich Cultural Heritage and History

Get ready to explore the vibrant mosaic of history and cultural diversity in San Antonio! Today we take you on an adventure-packed heritage tour that will whisk you away on a journey through centuries of captivating stories and legendary landmarks that you won't find anywhere else.

Discover Our UNESCO World Heritage Site: The San Antonio Missions

Begin your journey at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park , a member of the National Park Service and a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing five stunning missions. These architectural marvels offer a glimpse into the colonial past of San Antonio, showcasing the intricate blend of Spanish and Indigenous cultures.

Take a pilgrimage to the San Antonio Missions

Continue your World Heritage tour through San Antonio with a stop at The Alamo . Undergoing a transformation with a completion date of 2027, visit the Alamo to explore one of the most historically significant sites in American History. Entry to the Alamo is free, but you must reserve a timed ticket . While you're there, be sure to check out the brand-new Ralston Family Collections Center which houses the Phil Collins Collection among other artifacts. Want a live look at the Alamo? Check out the Alamo Plaza Live Cam now!

Experience the Buzz and Excitement of the Historic Market Square

Next stop, is Historic Market Square , affectionately known as "El Mercado." Fun fact: This is the largest Mexican market in the country! Surround yourself with the vibrant spirit of San Antonio's cultural heritage as you peruse over 100 shops bursting with traditional foods, handmade Mexican clothing, accessories, and captivating artwork. And when hunger strikes, head over to the Farmers Market Food Court for some delectable treats while enjoying live music and dancing performances that will have you tapping your feet.

Stand in Awe of the San Fernando Cathedral

Prepare to be awestruck at the magnificent San Fernando Cathedral, a true gem of cultural and architectural significance. As the oldest continuously functioning religious sanctuary in Texas, it exudes a sense of timelessness. Make sure to catch San Antonio | The Saga , a mesmerizing art installation projected onto the cathedral's facade, where you'll be transported to another world for a breathtaking 24 minutes.

See How Culinary and Cultural Experiences Collide at The Pearl

For a culinary and cultural extravaganza, look no further than The Pearl . This former brewery has transformed into a vibrant culinary and cultural destination, boasting an array of tempting dining options. From gourmet Texas Hill Country at Boiler House Texas Grill and Wine Garden to indulging in mouthwatering Mexican street food at La Gloria , foodies will be in paradise. And don't forget to explore the various retail options and soak in the historic charm and modern design of The Pearl's green spaces and structures.

Discover 20 more amazing restaurants to check out in San Antonio.

Pay a Visit to the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and Latino Bookstore

Dedicated to cultivating, promoting and preserving traditional and contemporary Chicano, Latino and Native American arts and culture, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is always hosting performances, events, and exhibitions throughout the year. Next up? CineFestival , the nation's original and longest-running Latino film festival! Be sure to also check out the Guadalupe Latino Bookstore & Gift Shop where you can find various author series throughout the year!

Explore San Antonio's Black History at San Antonio African American Community Archive & Museum

Celebrating the Soul of San Antonio, San Antonio African American Community Archive & Museum (SAAACAM) is home to a community-based digital archive of historical accounts to cultivate a stronger understanding and appreciation of Black history in San Antonio. Located in La Villita , SAAACAM also periodically hosts events - like the Black History Film Series and monthly Black History River Boat tours.

Take a Step Back in Time at the Spanish Governor's Palace

The last visible trace of the Presidio San Antonio de Bexar and the only remaining example in Texas of an aristocratic 18th-century Spanish Colonial townhouse, the Spanish Governor's Palace is a national historic landmark that is a must-visit in San Antonio. Once the residence and working office of the Captain of the Presidio, this is the only building that still stands of the Presidio San Antonio Bexar.

Keep Exploring!

But remember, your heritage journey through San Antonio is just the beginning! The Alamo City has countless exciting events and activities waiting to be discovered. So, seize the opportunity, plan your trip , and get ready to create your own unforgettable stories in the remarkable city of San Antonio.

San Fernando Cathedral

The heart of san antonio, announcements, plan ahead for fiesta traffic, detours and parking.

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Statement from Fr. Carlos B. Velázquez, Rector

First saturday devotion.

Please join us at San Fernando Cathedral every First Saturday of the month for First Saturday Devotion requested by Our Lady of Fatima in reparation to the offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to pray for the conversion of sinners, and peace in the world.  We will start with Saturday Mass at 5:00 pm followed by the Holy Presence of the Blessed Sacrament, thereafter with the Holy Rosary prayer, and conclude with meditating on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary.  The request for the First Saturday Devotion by Our Lady are the following: 

• Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation 8 days before or after the first Saturday.  Please visit San Fernando Cathedral's website for Reconciliation dates and times.
• Receive Holy Communion on the first Saturday of the month.  San Fernando Cathedral Saturday's Mass begins at 5:00 pm.
• Pray the Holy Rosary.
• Meditate for 15 minutes on the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary.

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San Fernando Cathedral

Complete Guide to the San Fernando Cathedral

Towering proudly in the heart of San Antonio, the San Fernando Cathedral is more than just a stunning architectural marvel; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven from the city’s rich cultural heritage and storied past. The cathedral’s grand architecture and intricate craftsmanship reflect the city’s diverse history, with influences from Spanish colonists, indigenous communities, and European immigrants. Including this landmark in your itinerary offers an opportunity to truly connect with San Antonio’s heritage, making your trip more meaningful and memorable.

History of the San Fernando Cathedral

The San Fernando Cathedral, deemed a shining beacon of faith and unity, holds a pivotal place in San Antonio’s history. Constructed in 1731, this ancient edifice has ceaselessly served the community for centuries, acting as a spiritual sanctuary, cultural hub, and historical landmark. Its name is a tribute to Ferdinand III of Castile and León, a revered saint canonized by Pope Clement X in 1671.

The inception of the San Fernando Cathedral was intertwined with the zealous endeavor of the Franciscan missionaries who voyaged from Spain to Texas with the aim of disseminating Christianity among the native population. Their ardent faith and perseverance resulted in the establishment of this iconic structure, which has since played an integral role in shaping the city’s spiritual and cultural landscape.

Although the original building faced the unfortunate fate of being engulfed by flames shortly after its completion in 1738, the resilience and unwavering spirit of the community ensured its speedy reconstruction. The new edifice, constructed using stone procured from neighboring quarries, stood as a testament to the people’s collective strength and unity.

The present-day San Fernando Cathedral stands proudly on the same sacred ground, carrying forward the legacy of the original structure. Its silent walls narrate intriguing tales of trials and tribulations, faith, and fortitude, lending it an aura of mystique that fascinates every visitor. The cathedral’s rich history, coupled with its architectural elegance, makes it an unmissable landmark in San Antonio’s vibrant cityscape.

San Fernando Cathedral Fun Facts

• The original cathedral of San Fernando was built between 1738 and 1750.
• San Fernando Cathedral is one of the oldest active cathedrals in the United States, a testament to its enduring significance and the community’s devotion.
• The 18th-century San Fernando Cathedral holds the distinction of being the first church built in San Antonio, laying the foundation for the city’s spiritual and cultural history.
• The cathedral is registered as a USA Historic Place, affirming its historical importance and architectural influence.
• As the oldest church in the Lone Star State, it’s no surprise that San Fernando Cathedral is considered one of the most haunted locations in San Antonio, adding a dash of mystery and intrigue to its rich history.
• Shadowed ghostly figures have been spotted wandering the grounds of the cathedral on multiple occasions, causing both chills and fascination among those who visit.

Things To See at the San Fernando Cathedral

When visiting San Fernando Cathedral, the charm of its striking architecture is immediately apparent. The cathedral’s facade, adorned with ornate artistry, is an impressive sight that speaks volumes of its historical prominence. Inside, the majesty of the cathedral continues to unfold. The high-vaulted ceiling, adorned with intricate frescoes, encapsulates the grandeur of the cathedral. The vibrant stained-glass windows, each a masterpiece in its own right, bathe the interior in a serene, ethereal light. The altar, with its detailed woodwork, is a sight to behold, acting as the spiritual heart of the cathedral.

One of the key features of the San Fernando Cathedral is “The Saga,” a captivating light and sound show. Projected on the cathedral’s facade, this 24-minute display narrates the history of San Antonio and Texas, combining music, visual effects, and a compelling storyline. This riveting spectacle, occurring several nights a week, paints the cathedral in a myriad of colors, illuminating its intricate details and showcasing the edifice in a whole new light.

No visit to San Fernando Cathedral would be complete without a stop at the gift shop. This quaint store holds an array of unique souvenirs, religious artifacts, and handcrafted items that serve as perfect mementos. It’s an ideal place to pick up a tangible connection to your visit and support the cathedral’s ongoing preservation.

Why is the San Fernando Cathedral important?

The San Fernando Cathedral is important due to its historical significance, architectural grandeur, and cultural influence. As the oldest active cathedral in the U.S., it holds a crucial place in San Antonio’s spiritual and cultural history. Additionally, its impressive architecture, intriguing history, and captivating light and sound show, “The Saga”, make it a must-visit landmark.

What time is the light show at the San Fernando Cathedral?

“The Saga,” the mesmerizing light and sound show at the San Fernando Cathedral, takes place at 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Please note that times are subject to change based on the season and weather conditions.

What year was the San Fernando Cathedral built?

The San Fernando Cathedral was initially built between the years 1738 and 1750. Despite facing several renovations and reconstructions over the centuries, it continues to serve as a significant historical and religious landmark in San Antonio , Texas.

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San Antonio | The Saga

Showtime information.

This stunning display shows rain-or-shine, year-round!

The Saga will be dark on the following dates:

• Thursday | March 28th
• Friday | March 29th
• Saturday | March 30th

Showtimes: Every Tuesday through Sunday at 9 PM & 9:30 PM

Admission: On Main Plaza, all events are free and open to the public

Where: Main Plaza, Home Of San Fernando Cathedral, 115 N. Main Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78205

Parking: Downtown Tuesday offers free parking at city-operated parking garages, parking lots, and parking meters from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. every Tuesday .

Free parking is available at the City Tower Parking Garage (60 N Flores St.) every Sunday.

Artist: Xavier de Richemont

San Antonio | The Saga debuted in June 2014 and has been a staple to the city’s community and visitors since.

UPDATE: To honor San Fernando Cathedral's observance of Holy Week, the SAGA will not be showing March 28 - 30, 2024

This unique video art projection by international artist Xavier de Richemont depicts the historical discovery, settlement and development of San Antonio, our wonderful Lone Star State, and United States history. The Saga projection covers 7,000 square feet of light, color and visual narration projected onto the majestic façade of San Fernando Cathedral- the oldest cathedral in the United States. Through the 24-minute journey, it has become a destination for residents, South Texans, national, and international visitors.

San Antonio | The Saga is the #1 Must See When Visiting San Antonio.

What People Are Saying

An explosion of color, light, music and historical images ... splashed over the facade of one of the city’s beloved historic structures — San Fernando Cathedral...”

Steve Benne

Using stirring music, San Antonio | The Saga ... relates an artistic view of San Antonio’s history through the colorful, animated drawings of French artist Xavier De Richemont.

Vicki Arckoff

San Antonio | The Saga takes you on a colorful visual journey through the history of San Antonio.

Absolutely brilliant and singular audio-visual experience ! A work of art like no other, and could not be even closely replicated or simulated on any other medium - be it video on small or large screen. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to get a unique historical but modern art experience.

Vikas Rangarajan

Beautifully presented with San Fernando Cathedral as the canvass. History of San Antonio in a colorful palette of light and sounds. Best part is - its free to enjoy

Sarah Kate Smith

The Saga is a 24 minute clip displayed on the side of the San Fernando church. The clip was specifically designed for the shape of the church and is very well done. I have never seen anything like this before. I liked it. Lots of images. Lots of random clips. Almost like a well-done 24 minute YouTube video with quick hitting shots.

This is one of the best projections show in United States and the only one showing on a cathedral and as a permanent show. If you are in San Antonio this is in the top 5 places to see.

Peter Stalinescu

About the artist.

XAVIER DE RICHEMONT

San antonio | the saga showtimes.

Showtimes: Tuesday - Sunday 

                         9 PM & 9:30 PM

Seating: We Invite You To Bring Your Own Lawn Chairs & Blankets.

Where: Main Plaza, 115 N. Main Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78205

San Antonio | The Saga Update

San Antonio | The Saga will not be shown on the following days . April 21 – April 30

The Complete Pilgrim - Religious Travel Sites

Howard Kramer's, The Complete Pilgrim, Religious Travel Site

CATHEDRAL OF SAN FERNANDO

April 12, 2014 By Howard Kramer Leave a Comment

San Antonio, Texas

(photo from Wikipedia)

The Cathedral of San Fernando is one of the most important Catholic church buildings in the United States.  Established as an archdiocese seat when Texas was still a territory of Mexico, it was the first cathedral built and so designated in that part of North America.  When Texas was annexed to the United States, the Cathedral of San Fernando instantly took on the designation as the oldest Roman Catholic cathedral in America.  Thanks to its association with a particularly important Spanish mission, the Cathedral of San Fernando is part of one of the most historically significant parishes in the country.  It is also the site of the tombs of Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie and William Travis.

 Explorers from the extremely religious Spanish Empire began exploring the area in what is now Texas back in the 16 th and 17th centuries.  In the late 1600s Spanish and French interests in the region began to clash.  In response to the threat of French expansion, Spain began to establish a more prominent presence in Texas by constructing numerous churches and missions.

In 1738, the Spanish, with the blessing of the Roman Catholic Church, formally established an archbishopric in Texas at San Antonio.  Construction on the Cathedral of San Fernando lasted for over a decade.  It was completed and consecrated in 1750.  It remained the primary religious institution of the territory until the Mexican War of Independence in the 1820s.

The Cathedral of San Fernando played a small but important role in one of the most famous chapters in Texas/American history.  When Texas revolted against the Mexican empire, the focal point of the conflict was San Antonio.  One of the heroes of the conflict, Jim Bowie, was married in the cathedral in 1831.

During the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, the cathedral was seized by the Mexican army and used as a military observation point.  A flag hoisted on the tower signaled the beginning of the attack.  San Fernando was the site of a major victory celebration after the subsequent defeat of the Mexicans at San Jacinto.  After Texas was annexed to the United States, the Cathedral of San Fernando became the oldest Roman Catholic Cathedral in America by default.  It was visited by Pope John Paul II during his 1987 visit to the United States.

The Cathedral of San Fernando is one of the best examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the United States.  The building dates from 1750, with several renovations taking place since 2000.  Its triple-entrance, white-washed façade remains one of the iconic sites of Central Texas.  The façade faces the old city plaza of San Antonio in a throw back to old European city planning.

The cathedral interior is less ornate then similar churches of the era.  However, for many visitors and pilgrims the most important site is the large, granite sarcophagus.  This tomb holds what are believed to be the remains of the three most famous heroes of the Battle of the Alamo: Davy Crockett, Jim Boie and William Travis.  San Fernando is the site of San Antonio’s annual fiesta which celebrates the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto.

The Cathedral of San Fernando stands at the very heart of San Antonio, approximately 160 miles west of Houston.  It is open daily from 8:00am-5:00pm though there are some restrictions to visitors during mass.  There is no cost of admission.  Web: www.sfcathedral.org (official website).

Other Sites

Central Texas, and the area around San Antonio in particular, was home to many early churches and missions.  Several of these can be found in San Antonio Missions National Historic Park .  Also in San Antonio is the most famous Spanish mission in America, the Mission San Antonio de Valero , also known as the Alamo, just a stones throw away from the cathedral and the most popular historic/religious site in Texas.

About Howard Kramer

Howard Kramer is the creator and author of The Complete Pilgrim. He first took an interest in religious sites in his early twenties when traveling through Italy after college. In the two decades since he has traveled to more than two dozen countries and almost every state, visiting and photographing hundreds of the world’s greatest churches, synagogues and other places of religious interest. Howard has been writing about religious sites for the better part of the last decade, and The Complete Pilgrim is a culmination of years of his work and passion.

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Things To Do | Take a hidden tour of Grace Cathedral, San…

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Things to do | california gas prices are spiking again, what’s going on, subscriber only, things to do | take a hidden tour of grace cathedral, san francisco’s gothic masterpiece, secret passageways and ancient artifacts are the stars of new “behind-the-scenes” tours of the famous church..

It’s a blustery spring afternoon in San Francisco, and we are gathered for one of the first-ever behind the scenes tours of that Gothic wonder, Grace Cathedral .

It may look like a grand flourish sitting atop Nob Hill, but the cathedral is still under construction — as you’ll discover now that these tours have opened to the public. Built in 1862, the original structure was destroyed during the 1906 earthquake and ensuing fire. Construction began on the current cathedral in 1927.

Today, the vaulting near the ceiling is unfinished and some statue niches remain empty. “It has been said that a great cathedral is never finished, words that echo the unfinished work of the Spirit,” says Julie Knight, director of cultural membership and visitor experience. Grace will one day be completed, but in the meantime it holds all sorts of neat fundraising activities. There are concerts devoted to the music of Nintendo and Hayao Miyazaki movies , yoga atop its labyrinths, sound baths and now, architectural tours like this new exploration of historic rooms, hidden passageways and ancient artifacts.

Our guide today is Kenn Sparks who, with a trimmed beard and rumbling basso, has the presence of an Orson Welles.

We stand in the cavernous central hall of the cathedral, which has massive organ pipes in front and also in back. If it didn’t, there’d be a quarter-second sound delay, and the front part of the congregation would be singing earlier than the back rows – presumably annoying god.

Up on a mezzanine is what looks like a child’s toy piano. If a child actually played it, though, the results might cause a public emergency. The keys link to dozens of bells in the tower, including a six-ton one that rings the hours. The bells clang to celebrate World Series and Super Bowl wins and other commemorations. Sometimes after service, musicians like to noodle on the keyboard, playing popular songs like “Over the Rainbow” and “I Left my Heart in San Francisco.”

We enter an ambulatory or hidden passageway located behind the altar. Clergy use this shadowy hallway during services to scurry from one side of the church to the other. A number of beautiful stained-glass windows point toward the Anglican Churches of the Pacific Basin, from New Zealand to Taiwan to Japan.

Now we’re inside the vestry, which is paneled entirely in ornate walnut and smells like a classy antique shop. This is where the California bishop (currently Marc Handley Andrus) keeps a private camp to pray and store liturgical vestments. We observe a bible open to Ezekiel: 35 (“I lay your towns in ruins; you shall become a desolation, and you shall know that I am the LORD”) and run our fingers through the bishop’s cloaks – not sure if his eminence would approve of this, but he’s not here right now. The vestments are all hand-sewn, and a member of our group jokes she has a friend who became a bishop “only for the clothes.”

Next up is the Chapel of Grace. This small chapel is normally closed and has Spanish-style wrought-iron gates barring passage from the outside. William Randolph Hearst’s body was laid in state here, and Bill Clinton booked it in 1994 to pray during a trip to San Francisco — just him, his thoughts and the Secret Service lurking in the background.

The cathedral holds all manner of unexpected artifacts. There’s a circa 1521 stone tomb from France with a coat of arms from the monastic-military Knights Hospitaller, Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. According to legend a Crusader knight was interred here but no longer, as French revolutionaries scattered his bones. A Romanesque limestone credence table for the host and wine likely dates to the 12th century; it’s the oldest furnishing in the church.

The next large room is filled with art and furniture, including the bishop’s chair, carved from redwood with armrests shaped like an owl (wisdom) and lion (strength). A hallway holds Ansel Adams photographs and an oak eagle carved by Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor of Mount Rushmore. It served as the cathedral’s lectern up until the 1960s. Lit from below is a brilliant, colorful portrait from photographer David LaChapelle of a Haitian model as the Virgin Mary; it was gifted a couple years ago and consecrated as an icon of the cathedral.

The cathedral’s crypt is unusual in that it’s above ground. There’s room for 3,000 souls, and it’s only half full, so get your plans in order today and you can spend the afterlife here for $8,000 . (Though $10,000 will get you a space at a more desirable “eye-to-heart” level.)

We climb into the upper recesses of the cathedral and, crossing a catwalk, encounter E=MC2, the stained-glass Albert Einstein tribute. A glassy version of astronaut John Glenn is nearby. Our guide cautions us to tighten our hardhats, lest they fall off while we’re looking around and bonk the noggins of the faithful below.

The final stretch takes us up multiple levels of stairs to an open-air observatory protected by pigeon netting. Bells crash and powerful winds blow, as we take in the cathedral’s nearly 250-foot-tall spire, called Le Fleche, because it represents an arrow shooting prayers directly up to god. There are no gargoyles on this steeple, but there are grotesques, in this case wyverns that look like fire-breathing dragons with scorpion tails. They’re meant to ward off evil from not just the church but also the city.

“I think we might need more dragons,” rumbles our guide Sparks.

The tower offers nearly 360-degree views of the expansive city below. Our attention is caught by a building in a park across the way. It’s the Pacific-Union Club at the top of Nob Hill, one of the largest men’s-only clubs in the U.S. The motto, our guide intones, is rumored to be “No women, no journalists, no Democrats.”

Details: General admission to San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral, located at 1100 California St., is $12. Behind the scenes tours are $27 to $30. Reserved a timed entry ticket at gracecathedral.org .

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