Local interpretations of classical models: The architecture of San Antonio mission churches, Texas

During the 18th century, in the current metropolitan area of San Antonio, Texas, five Franciscan missions were established along the local river. The comparative analysis of three of these San Antonio missions churches with European models demonstrate some recurring elements, certifying a specific design attitude that may be linked to architectural innovations undertaken in Italy during the Counter Reformation period. Adoption and adaptation of the European technologies of quarrying and dressing stones were also carried out. The building surveys and archival research reveal that stone for wall construction was quarried nearby, cut into broken ashlar stone blocks to create a regular decorative pattern. San Antonio Missions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are definitively authentic syncretic works, built by the Indians for their own use under Franciscan guidance, incorporating imported cultural models and construction know-how.