Located in San Antonio, Texas, the Cathedral of San Fernando—also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria and Guadalupe—is the mother church of the Archdiocese of San Antonio and the seat of its archbishop. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its dome marks the city's cultural and geographical heart. As one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States, its history spans back to 1731 when Canary Island settlers arrived, leading to the laying of its cornerstone in 1738 and its initial dedication in 1755.
When you visit, you will encounter a site steeped in Texas history. The cathedral was damaged during the 1836 Battle of the Alamo when General Santa Anna hoisted a flag of 'no quarter' from its tower, and it famously hosted the 1831 marriage of James Bowie. Today, you can admire its Gothic Revival nave, twin bell towers, gable roof, and original sanctuary preserved during 19th-century rebuilds.
Inside, explore stained glass windows added in 1920, carved stone stations of the cross from 1874, an 18th-century baptismal font, a papal visit marker from 1987, and an altar containing sacred relics.
What to see at Cathedral of San Fernando
- One of the oldest cathedrals in the United States
- Stained glass windows from 1920 and carved stone stations of the cross
- Historic sanctuary featuring an 18th-century baptismal font and relics
- Site linked to James Bowie's wedding and the Battle of the Alamo
- Xavier de Richemont's 'San Antonio: The Saga' video projection on the façade
Visiting tips
Be sure to head to the Main Plaza to watch 'San Antonio: The Saga,' a 24-minute video art projection on the cathedral's façade depicting Texas and San Antonio history.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Weekend mass or evening for video projection
How to get there & what’s nearby
Cathedral of San Fernando is easy to reach on San Antonio’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Alamo Mission. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our San Antonio travel guide.
See the full San Antonio travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.