NPS Photo About Mission ConcepciónEnduring time and elements for more than 250 years, Mission Concepción stands as one of the country’s oldest remaining original stone churches. But mortar and stone are not all that remain of the vibrant mission community. Though the mission served as a religious center, missionaries provided much more than spiritual guidance. They instructed Indigenous inhabitants to function as a European community. Spanish settlers made rapid, fundamental, and permanent change most dramatically among the Indigenous groups. This new society, neither wholly Indigenous nor wholly Spanish, has continually evolved to become the predominant culture of South Texas. Look closer and enter a portal to our past and a connection to our present.
Chantelle Ruidant-Hansen/NPS Photo Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña Developed by Spanish Franciscan friars and after a tenuous existence and several moves, the mission was transferred to its present site in 1731. This handsome stone church took about 15 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 colonial structures within the park. FrescosThe integrity of the church and convento roofs at Mission Concepción prevented the deterioration of many fine examples of frescos. This tediously applied art form covered the front of the church and most of the church and convento interiors. Today only four rooms clearly show remnants of these colorful designs painted over 250 years ago. While many of the existing frescos are simply decorative, several are symbolic. The most famous fresco, located on the convento room ceiling 
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Last updated: August 15, 2024