Church of Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria y Guadalupe
historic place
The Church of Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria y Guadalupe, also known as San Fernando Cathedral, is a historic place in San Antonio, Bexar County. The original church was built between 1738 and 1750. It was constructed by soldiers from the Presidio de San Antonio, their families, and settlers from the Canary Islands. The walls of this original structure now form the sanctuary of the current cathedral. It is recognized as one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States. In 1836, during the Battle of the Alamo, Mexican General Santa Anna hoisted a flag of 'no quarter' from the church's tower, marking the beginning of the siege. The ashes of the heroes who died defending the Alamo are interred here. In 1868, the cathedral was considerably enlarged in the Gothic style under architect Francois P. Giraud, with work completed in 1873. This historic location was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 25, 1975. The Church of Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria y Guadalupe stands as a central historical landmark in San Antonio.