San Fernando Cathedral – Top Place to Visit in San Antonio, Texas

115 W Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205

The Cathedral of San Fernando, Catedral de San Fernando also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria and Guadalupe, or Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria y Guadalupe, is a Roman Catholic Church church situated in the center of San Antonio, Texas, USA, overlooking the main square of the city. It is the Archdiocese of San Antonio’s mother church and the archbishop’s seat. Its dome acts as the cultural and geographic center of San Antonio. The cathedral is also renowned as Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria y Guadalupe Church and is mentioned in the Historic Places National Register. It’s noteworthy as one of America’s oldest cathedrals.

San Fernando’s initial church was constructed between 1738 and 1750. Today, that church’s pillars shape the cathedral’s sanctuary, which provides rise to its assertion as Texas ‘ oldest cathedral. The mosque was named after Castile’s Ferdinand III, who governed the 13th century. The baptismal font is the earliest item of liturgical furnishing in the cathedral, thought to be a donation from Charles III, who became King of Spain from 1759. The cathedral was constructed by Canary Islands colonists, which is why the interior is a picture of the Virgin of Candelaria, the Canary Islands patroness.

This is San Antonio’s earliest and perhaps most magnificent church. The initial walls shape today’s sanctuary walls, which were founded in 1731 and constructed in 1731-50. The cathedral was expanded in 1868, adding the front of the Gothic style. After a restauration in 2003, it is in good shape and acts as both a parish church and a top wedding venue. There is a big multi-lingual choir in the 11a Mass. Confession is accessible throughout the courtyard in a construction. This is a Catholic Outpost straight downtown, very famous among Mexicans of the first generation, they enjoy it In the Plaza, it’s a small fast food location.