San Antonio Churches and Cathedrals

(San Antonio, Texas - TX, USA)

Imposing chapels, religious buildings, Roman Catholic and Episcopal churches, and numerous places of worship are certainly in plentiful supply around San Antonio.

Particularly splendid is the twin-towered Cathedral of San Fernando, which serves as the mother church of San Antonio's Archdiocese and remains central to Roman Catholic life in the city, being visited by Pope John Paul II in 1987. This Gothic-style cathedral enjoys a mention on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts enormous congregations, with more than 5,000 worshippers joining the weekend mass services. One of the cathedral's biggest annual events takes place as part of the Easter celebrations, when the 'Passion Play' depicting the trial of Christ draws visitors by the thousand.

San Fernando Cathedral

Address: 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, Texas TX, 78205, USA
Tel: +1 210 227 1297
San Fernando Cathedral is America's oldest cathedral building and dates back to the mid-18th century. The cornerstone of this church was laid in 1738, with the building work being completed just over a decade later, in 1749. This church has a rich history dating from these times and it is believed that a marble sarcophagus found during renovations may hold the remains of the defenders of the Alamo. With services throughout the week attracting large crowds of worshippers, this is one of the city's most important religious buildings. Of possible interest, there is a gift shop located at the Cathedral Center.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Scottish Rite Cathedral

Address: 308 Avenue East, San Antonio, Texas TX, 78205, USA
Tel: +1 210 222 0133
Dating back to 1924, the Scottish Rite Cathedral is a particularly notable building, with grand columns, enormous front doors made of bronze and a vaulted ceiling. Guided tours of the interior are available and well worth joining.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 14:30
Admission: free

Bandera Road Community Church (BRCC)

Address: 9355 Bandera Road, San Antonio, Texas TX, 78250, USA
Tel: +1 210 523 9085
The Bandera Road Community Church is a modern structure, with services regularly including lively music. Schnabel Park is located close by and is a handy point of reference.

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

Address: 600 Oblate Drive, San Antonio, Texas TX, 78216, USA
Tel: +1 210 824 7231
The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church is situated on the northern side of the city, close to the North Star Mall, where it is an impressive building with weekly services and many seasonal religious events throughout the year.

First Presbyterian Church

Address: 404 North Alamo, San Antonio, Texas TX, 78205, USA
Tel: +1 210 226 0215
The First Presbyterian is the city's oldest Presbyterian church and comes with many well-preserved period features.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church

Address: 13715 Riggs, Helotes, Texas TX, 78023, USA
Tel: +1 210 695 8791
The Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church is a notable religious building located on the north-westerly outskirts of San Antonio, in nearby Helotes. Built in the 1940s, highlights include a high ceiling with wooden beams, a small chapel area and traditional architecture.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

Address: 315 East Pecan Street, San Antonio, Texas TX, 78205, USA
Tel: +1 210 226 2426
Dating back to the 1850s, St. Mark's has an interesting past and can be found in the downtown district. Regular services are held each Sunday and although this is a small church, it is particularly friendly.

Temple Beth-El

Address: 211 Belknap Place, San Antonio, Texas TX, 78212, USA
Tel: +1 210 733 9135
The Temple Beth-El is a historic Jewish synagogue sited within the Monte Vista area. Services are held each week, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Trinity Baptist Church

Address: 319 East Mulberry, San Antonio, Texas TX, 78212, USA
Tel: +1 210 733 6204
With an enormous congregation of almost 10,000 members, the Trinity Baptist Church was built in the late 1940s and today boasts well-attended services which have become well-known throughout the surrounding area.

University United Methodist Church

Address: 5084 DeZavala Road, San Antonio, Texas TX, 78249, USA
Tel: +1 210 696 1033
The University United Methodist Church was founded in the late 19th century and has been renovated and moved a number of times over the years. In the 1980s, it was rebuilt and now features an impressive pipe organ.