City: San Antonio, TX

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (210) 227-1297

Address: 115 Main Plaza

Description: San Fernando has long occupied a unique position for the city and for the thousands of visitors who come each year. Founded on March 9, 1731, by the original 16 families from the Canary Islands, the cathedral played a vital role in San Antonio history.During the Texas war for independence from Mexico, General Santa Anna raised his flag of “no quarter”—signifying to the Texians that he would take no prisoners—from the church. Many years later, folks believed San Fernando was the final resting place for the Alamo defenders because of entombed ashes discovered during a construction project. Although that tomb holds the remains of some unknown soldiers, modern historians do not believe they were the Alamo defenders because evidence of military uniforms—never worn by the Texians—has turned up among the remains.Today San Fernando is home to many public rituals and celebrations of the Mexican Catholic faith. One, a Flamenco Mass, is performed every year for Good Friday and Easter Vigil. Holy Week also includes a reenactment of the Passion of Jesus Christ and other popular religious commemorations (funeral procession and the burial of Jesus, and pesame, or condolences to the Virgin).In 2003 the cathedral finished a $5.5 million restoration. Visitors should note the 3 retablos. The center screen, which depicts Christ, features workmanship in 24-carat gold. The cathedral is open to its congregation and visitors alike.