This is such a beautiful church. My wife and I were lucky enough to be married in the cathedral 16 years ago. We came back to the downtown area to celebrate our anniversary and enjoyed seeing the cathedral again. San Fernando is an amazing place to worship and celebrate the Lord.

I highly recommend visiting the Cathedral. It is very peaceful and soothing. You can sit and pray or just meditate. The gift shop is great too. Two thumbs up and if you happen upon one of the Priests, they will be more than Happy to give you a blessing

Very pretty. Mass is organized and timely. The preist/fathers are nice open and welcoming.Ive been displaced to San Antonio TX. for 7mo because my child was wounded in the military overseas and processed out on one of the bases there. San Fernando became my church home.I am non denominational with a Baptist upbringing. I am open and never judge others as long as Jehova is the focus. It served me well to have this kind of thought from my heart. The Catholic creed, faith, and undoubted belief in spiritual warfare is powerful. May God bless and keep the Catholic community in San Antonio TX. Amen.

Unfortunately I got here after it had already closed to the public. so I was not able to take a tour or go inside. But from the outside it was very beautiful. It caught my eye and you could just tell how old the building was and how well kept it was. They said on the plaque outside that that is where they had buried the remains of the Alamo victims also which I thought was really neat.

A beautiful building and its said to be haunted. This is also where the ashes of the heroes of the Alamo are kept. On the side of the building there are steps that lead to a door. People have caught apparitions in this area. Theres also a rock by the door that looks like a skull.

Definitely worth visiting, even if youre not a Roman Catholic. I just like old churches and this one is awesome.

Mass had begun, as I walked in quietly, tears rolling down my eyes, for such suffering is felt for Thousands of Decades...I was Overwhelmed, may all living creatures find Peace and Happiness

A great cathedral with a long history and connection with the city. And who can forget that they say that the remains of those who died at the Alamo are buried here, I’m not sure about that but it’s a great story. There is a lot to see and do in the area. The only negative to the area is that there can be a high level of homeless at times who will bother you.

Was closed during our visit here, but still a monumental piece of architecture. I enjoyed just looking at it. I would recommend a trip here if you enjoy history. The Alamo is right around the corner.

This Cathedral was only open for masses when we were there. I believe mass started at 12. They took our temperature and let us in approx 20 mins before mass.The preacher was a Spanish as second language priest and some parts of the sermon he switched to English. All together it was inspiring to hear someone tries to speak Spanish as a second language. His spoken Spanish was satisfactory.On the other hand can you imagine the reaction if an English as second language speaker would mix any words in their languages while speaking?! Exactly... English native speakers please stop butchering other languages and pull yourself together. You got this!

This is the oldest and perhaps the most beautiful church in San Antonio. Founded in 1731 and built in 1731-50, the original walls form the walls of the sanctuary today. In 1868, the cathedral was enlarged and the Gothic style front was added. It is in immaculate condition after a 2003 restoration, and serves as a parish church as well as a top wedding venue. The 11a Mass features a large multi-lingual choir. Confession is available in a building across the courtyard.

Great historic location. We werent able to go inside but it was nice to visit.

The San Fernando Cathedral is a must visit. I t is the oldest still standing and continually in use Church in Texas. I t also has a large relaxing plaza area outside that is kept very clean at all times. In this plaza area on certain nights of the week the church puts on a story about the church and lights up the outside very beautiful and be prepared to take photos.

Beautiful Cathedral. Its the oldest Catholic Cathedral in the USA

My wife and I just happened to stumble across this beautiful Cathedral at the right time. Everyone was sitting down in front of it, staring up like they were looking at something. The Cathedral is stunning, but I couldnt figure out why everyone was staring at it for so long.Finally, curiosity got the best of me, and Im so glad it did. I went to trusty old Google, and sure enough, read about a light show they have projected onto the building. Needless to say, it was amazing and well worth watching. There are three different show times so it can be quite convenient. Definitely worth a gander.P.s. the pictures dont do it justice.

Absolutely stunning! The architecture is truly amazing and the church has a very unique history. As you walk in on the left side, you can see a tomb where Crockett, Travis, and Bowie rest. Keep walking and youll soon discover the center of San Antonio (touch it for good luck!). There were some really nice people that I met and gave me a brief history over the grounds. (The pictures dont serve the cathedral any justice)

It is a diamond located in the center of downtown. Beautiful presence of God....very peaceful. It is the house of God...prayer place.

Absolutely beautiful, rich in history, amazing light show on the weekends too. Definitely a must see

Such a beautiful church, definitely a must see! Its a loving community if you are looking for a great church!

Very good food at fair prices. It is slower than say McDonalds getting your food out.

Merry ️ Christmas!I am blessed on this special Christmas day to able to come to Gods house at the Historic San Fernando Cathedral afternoon prayer mass as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is the time of year we celebrate the gift of Jesus, the son of God, born on earth and the salvation He gives to mankind. Use these powerful prayers to give thanks for Christ and God and the company of your friends and family during the holiday season!

Watched the light show on the Cathedral at night. It was entertaining.

I love coming to this cathedral its very beautiful, they have the nice plaza, the light show over summer, confession every day and a beautiful mass. I love coming with my family here and as a tourist you definitely need to check it out. Anytime a day is good.

The architecture of this cathedral is really beautiful and has a great history. The light show lasts for 24 minutes and this is one of the tourist attraction in San Antonio. The light shows are at 9pm, 9.30 pm and 10 pm on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Breathtaking cathedral. Must visit for anyone in San Antonio. The sanctuary holds such beautiful power within

Great spot to visit while in San Antonio. We had more fun here then the Alamo!

This is a beautiful example of a Spanish Mission. The signage informs you that the remains of the Alamo defenders are in the left chapel. It is incredibly ornate and very well kept. Definitely worth a stop and it is accessible from the river walk.

I wanted to make sure that it is known that there are multiple grounding cables which are broken of which you can see from the front of the building. I would like to see the preservation of this holy site.At 1730, the grounds keeper also stated the site was closed on Sunday.

Just loved this place. I went there in Christmas holidays. It is such a beautiful building inside and outside. We spent 10-15 minutes inside the cathedral admiring the beauty of the cathedral and the Christmas decoration around Jesus. We felt calm and peaceful inside. There is a beautiful water fountain near the cathedral. Curbside parking can be found around the cathedral at walkable distance. Thank you!

What an amazing show for free! We happened upon the light show after finding out about it on our Rio cruise tour. Beautiful light show on Fridays at 9pm.

Went for the Saga art installation and sightseeing. It was super cool and a great show of history through images and music. The music is very loud if you sit upfront. We brought a fold up picnic blanket to sit on on the bricks. There are metal chairs and tables scattered around the square too. We went after 6:30pm and found free parking across the street from the cathedral. We found a food truck afterwards and had a greasy yummy quesadilla with some pops. Then went to the riverwalk to watch the tour barges and people asleep on a bench by the river. We did not stay downtown past 11pm because it was bedtime for the homeless people.

The video show at night was very impressive and I would recommend it.

Im so sad and disappointed that they are closed. I really wanted to go and pray inside and get me a bible. Definitely going to church tomorrow.

Everything is so beautiful your in Gods house and they also have a gift shop.

I dont frequent this church but it is close to my work and it is a nice Church

Good place to chill and learn good history

Great, beautiful and full of historical feelings and stories.Three Alamo heroes are buried there.

The renovations this plaza has seen over the past decade have been transformative. It truly is now a main plaza. The cathedral is rich with history and the preservation of it. Please catch the light projection show when you can on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, it is a spectacle not to be missed!

Beautiful church. Serene and peaceful. Had a wedding just ending. So I got to see pretty women and handsome men. Typically, the atmosphere here and around the church is festive and upbeat. I like the fact that one can relax with the water sprays, benches, shade of the trees and some food items which are NOT expensive to buy, depending on what you buy. Its safe, as it should be in front of the courthouses... its a place Ill always enjoy coming to.. p.s. parking is sometimes challenging

A very peaceful place, and great for the occasional concerts organized inside.

Church is full of history and everyone is friendly wouldnt go anywhere else

Beautiful church. I have visited several times but this time the church was in use for a wedding. I encourage everyone to visit. You wont be disappointed.

Very historic church. Beautiful altar in a guilded setting.

The light show in the main plaza is a great experience for all ages.

A must see while in San Antonio. Visit it during day to check out the inside and all of the rich history. Visit during the night to see The Saga, a free show projected on the side of the Cathedral.

Historical Catholic Church, very nice place of worship.

Beautiful.Got to go Tuesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, 9 pm.... Some show

This beautiful cathedral is hold he burial remains of some famous Texans. San Fernando Cathedral was founded on March 9, 1731 by a group of 15 families who came from the Canary Islands at the invitation of King Phillip V of Spain and is the oldest, continuously functioning religious community in the State of Texas.

Went to the cathedral for the laser light show and it was awesome. There were lots of people and we met some visitors from Connecticut. The show is about Texas and American history. Hard to follow at times but colorful. Come early to get good seat.

Well organized and social distance was perfect. Great experience

Even with the pandemic its such a great place to go and reflect on your religious beliefs

Such a groovy experience! I highly recommend it.

Beautiful architecture, its currently not open due to covid.

It is beautiful but a little small. I would recommen going durimg the week and there are no public restrooms. There is a small cafe right outside in the courtyard and the food is great!

We attended the story of San Antonio / Texas show at the cathedral following recommendation from a river boat guide.A wonderful experience. Shown on the exterior of the building at night, it is a simple yet profound experience.

San Fernando Cathedral is the oldest Catholic Church in the city center of San Antonio, Texas. This church known as a cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria and Guadalupe.This church is located in the main road and across the Main Plaza.If you take a city tour of St Antonio by double decker bus you will pass this church, you can stop by here as a part of the tour at the nearest tourist bus stop. This church is an old building with the twin tower but looks sturdy and still standing there for centuries. I heard it was build in the year of 1738 and took 15 years to accomplished all parts of the building.This building has a long historical story, and the building itself will tells you a lot of stories at the time you are there. Please stop by and find out for a while if you visiting San Antonio. Its a small church but if you go inside you will feel cool and peaceful and become a nice place to pray.This is an active church where people come to pray so theres no entrance ticket to go inside.

Beautiful at night too!

I have been to the light show several times, it’s always nice to watch it, remember Texas and San Antonio’s history. It lasts almost 30 minutes, counting with a good sound track that follows the images too. Recommended!

Beautiful architecture, convenient to many downtown hotels, the Alamo, the Riverwalk. You must check out The Saga projection mapping at night against the facade. It will change your perception.

Beautiful historical church. Very peaceful. Plaza in front of the Cathedral is clean and nicely arranged. There is a very nice gift shop with lots of Christian gifts. If you are in need of confession (Catholic faith) there is a place where Catholic priest(s) are waiting. I never seen something like that.All in all I highly recommend this place if you are in the are. It is worth of seeing.

An amazing piece of both Texas and Catholic history. If youre in San Antonio, include this stop right into your Riverwalk. If you happen to be Catholic, you can stop in for Mass, blessings, and devotional candle lighting and prayers. And on top of that, its got a lunchroom facility right there with very good and reasonable food. Also, only a couple blocks from the Market square, where you can experience a pretty fun Mexican market shopping and food experience. A great afternoon/evening visit! Ill be back!

The history just envelops you. So beautiful. Not only beautiful to see, but to take in the history, and say a prayer. Beautiful and reverent

What a beautiful Cathedral with a remarkable history and a beautiful tribute to the Heroes of the Alamo.

Do take in the evening light show on the face of the cathedral. Outstanding job. Far superior to the presentation done on the Strasbourg cathedral. Seating farther back from the cathedral face would probably avoid the sound-blast from an up-front seat and would give a better overall perspective for viewing. A lot of history in one showing.

The light show was spectacular!!! Great place to relax watch the show!! Texas history on display!!

We had to go here to see the tomb of our American heroes. The place is gorgeous inside. Im not even religious, but enjoyed the architecture and artistry.

Very unique presentation of lights, sounds and culture. We were surprised by the amount of people and available seating for this event. Would recommend to other travelers in the San Antonio area.

The first place I visit here in Sa. Attend a Tuesday mass. Wait till the 9pm light show which is so cool. I like it a lot. I really enjoy the show I think everyone should see it.

Beautiful Cathedral that has laser shows Fridays and Saturdays at 9:00, 9:30 and 10:00pm. St. John Paul II said Mass at this cathedral which drew 350,000+ followers.

Very much worth the visit. So much beauty and history right downtown. If I had to choose this or the Alamo, definitely this. No tourists, peaceful, beautiful, and not underwhelming.

Holy spirit filled that outpours thru out the world. Choirs that sounds like heaven especially how great thou art hummed low, real low with no music. Joyful Catholics for their love of Christ.

Loved the laser show with the Texas history lesson.. Nicely done....20 mins.. Nicely done

The saga was worth a visit to the Main Plaza. We really liked the light and sound show and learned about Texas history in a well put show.

A place for the faithful and the faithless... history, tradition and Gods love lives here. Being Catholic doesnt mean your okay with the BS within the clergy; it means you love your church and God more than the strife within

Met this man sitting on the steps of the church. Very pleasant conversation any ways shared some cough drops and a candy cane. Noticed had no gloves, took mine off and gave him the extra pair I had on. Helped with putting them on. His fingers were so cold. Wished him a happy new year and try to stay warm too. / mailed gloves to the church to share..kept promise!

It is really something to see. They even still have mass all week long in English, Spanish and Bilingual. There is a 24 minute film shown on the front of the Cathedral wall showing the history of San Antonio on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights. Times are 9, 9:30 and 10 pm, it is so beautiful, and is free. The best value in town. You Havre to see the light show, you cant beat the price.

Absolutely loved the light show. A peaceful stroll by the Riverwalk ended with a light show at this place. San Antonio for the win !

Even though we are social distanced I felt blessed to be in the house of the Lord

Enjoyed the laser light show.Fantastic !!

This is a beautiful piece of architecture. When the sun sets you get this stunning array of color just behind the cathedral. Theres a bit of construction leading to the cathedral on commerce but if you avoid the area and walk its actually easily accessible. Homeless individuals are usually off the courtyard but it could be bothersome on the perimeter. Despite the construction and homeless it is clean and well maintained. Worth the visit.

Beautiful church, great history. We visited this church after we had taken the tour at the Alamo and learned that many of the ashes of the dead were entombed here, which is on the left side door entrance. Inside the church, there are very beautiful altar pieces that are worth checking out. Great location and beautiful grounds. Very picturesque from the front.

Absolutely beautiful. Mass was truly a blessing and the Spirit of the Lord was definitely present...

Beautiful old church in the middle of the town square. Unfortunately, the. Saga light show was out of commission during our visit.

Peaceful old church. Beautiful altar and organ. Was a nice stop in San Antonio. Free to see, donations accepted.

We did not tour inside but enjoyed the fabulously created light show at night. Just enough seating for touring folks at this time of year (January). Prepare to stand or sit on the ground unless they add more seating other times of the year. No bad seats! No matter where you are in the court yard, the show could be seen unobstructed.

One of the most amazing churches I have ever been to.

Beautifull and historic piece of san antonio take time to vistit this majestic piece of historic

Really great atmosphere. If you come on Sunday they have amazing events. People sings and dance. For just a second I even though to become religious. Great job!

This light show is really awesome!Great place to take your kids, it is a small show that goes through the history of Texas and all the important people/events of Texas!Would recommend!

Love it nice lights presentation in night its all about taxes history

The name should tell you all you need to know. You need to go there and see it for yourself instead of reading a review because its a beautiful place. Parking spot nearby for free? Good luck with that one. Unless you r a local and know the spots that is.

A beautiful cathedral in the heart of San Antonio. Definitely a must visit if youre in the area.

Beautiful inside and outA must seeThe video at night on the history is informational

Visited for the first time and went for Stations of the Cross and I loved it. Talk about the Holy Spirit in this church. Cant wait to come back.

What a beautiful church! Mostly simple except for the back of the altar. The ossuary containing the remains of the heros of the Alamo is moving.

We checked it the light show and were very impressed. It told a great story!

Calm, peaceful experience. Native stone and reserved architecture. Important feature in San Antonios history.

This was a fun experience, we not able to enter the cathedral but at about 9 PM, as we were strolling by a movie began. It was displayed on the front of this magnificent structure. The presentation depicted the life and history of the area of which The Alamo played a significant part.

This is a beautiful cathedral with so much history. It was burnt during the alamo, and the char marks still cover the outside walls. When you enter the left entrance, there is a tomb and memorial to three heroes who died during the Alamo. Its a working cathedral where you can go to pray or sit in silent contemplation and meditation. On certain nights during the week, theres a light show about the history of San Antonio. A must see.

This place is beautiful. We visited here after the Alamo to see the resting place of the heros that died. Its also shocking to see all the Homeless in the area.