Activity Overview
The Cathedral of San Fernando is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in downtown San Antonio. Also known as the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria y Guadalupe, this beautiful church constructed in the early 1700s is the oldest cathedral in Texas as well as one of the oldest in the United States. It has been an important religious and historic landmark in San Antonio for decades, and even played a role in the famous Battle of the Alamo. If you have an hour or so to spare while exploring downtown, it's a great place to stop in and visit.
Things to Do
- Visit the famous tomb that is said to hold the remains of the defenders of the Alamo, including American folk hero Davy Crockett.
- View the beautiful baptismal font, which was a gift from King Charles III of Spain in 1759, as well as the many stained glass windows.
- Take photos of the exterior of the cathedral, which was built between 1738 and 1750 and named after King Ferdinand III of Castile.
Cathedral of San Fernando Insider Tips
- Don't miss the fascinating light show that takes place at the cathedral on various nights throughout the year, when beautiful images and lights are projected onto the outside of the building accompanied by music.
- The square in front of the cathedral is often the site of local festivals and events, so make sure to check a local events calendar before you visit to see if there are activities that you may want to attend.
- You can still visit the church when services are taking place - just make sure to be quiet and respectful of those who are attending mass.
