Cathedral of San Fernando, San Antonio (must see)

The San Fernando Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria and Guadalupe, is a historic Catholic cathedral located in downtown San Antonio. Facing the city's Main Plaza, it serves as the mother church of the Archdiocese of San Antonio and the seat of its archbishop. The cathedral’s dome marks the cultural and geographical center of San Antonio, underscoring its significance to the city. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States and holds a unique place in Texas history.

The original church, built between 1738 and 1750 by soldiers from the Presidio de San Antonio, their families, and settlers from the Canary Islands, forms the sanctuary of today’s cathedral, earning it recognition as the oldest cathedral in Texas. Named after Ferdinand III of Castile, the church features a revered image of the Virgin of Candelaria, patroness of the Canary Islands, within its interior. A treasured piece of its history is the baptismal font, believed to be a gift from King Charles III of Spain in 1759, making it the cathedral's oldest liturgical furnishing.

The cathedral has played a key role in historical events. In 1831, James Bowie, famed Alamo defender, married Ursula de Veramendi here. During the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, General Antonio López de Santa Anna hoisted a flag of "no quarter" from the church tower to commence the siege. The ashes of the Alamo defenders are interred in the cathedral.

Significant architectural changes were made in 1868 under architect Francois P. Giraud, who expanded the structure in the Gothic style, forming the current nave. Further enhancements included the addition of carved stone Stations of the Cross in 1874 and stained glass windows in 1920, lending the cathedral its striking visual appeal.

A notable modern milestone occurred on September 13, 1987, when Pope John Paul II visited San Fernando Cathedral during the first papal visit to Texas, a moment commemorated by a dedicated marker.

Today, the cathedral remains a vibrant center of Catholic life in San Antonio. It plays a prominent role in community traditions such as Fiesta Week and the Good Friday Passion Play, drawing thousands of visitors each year. San Fernando Cathedral stands as a symbol of faith, history, and culture in the heart of San Antonio.