San Fernando Cathedral - Free Audio Guide

San Antonio, Texas, United States

San Fernando Cathedral, Trevino Street, Downtown, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, 78205, United States

San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio
Tedcampbell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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San Fernando Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria and Guadalupe, is a historic Catholic cathedral located in downtown San Antonio, Texas. It is the mother church of the Archdiocese of San Antonio and is renowned as one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States. Established between 1738 and 1750 by soldiers and settlers, it features significant historical elements, including a baptismal font gifted by King Charles III of Spain. The cathedral played a vital role during the Battle of the Alamo, and its interior houses the ashes of Alamo defenders. The striking Gothic architecture, enhanced in 1868, along with stained glass windows added in 1920, make it a visual delight. The cathedral remains a vibrant centre of Catholic life, hosting community events like Fiesta Week and the Good Friday Passion Play. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, attracting many visitors annually.