Mission Espada

Mission Espada, established in 1731 and rebuilt in stone later in the 18th century, is one of the four Spanish colonial missions that make up San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site preserves the mission chapel, convento remains, and an 18th-century acequia (irrigation) system that supplied water to the mission and surrounding fields. Mission Espada remains an active parish and is interpreted for visitors as an example of Spanish colonial mission architecture and community planning in Texas.