The Espada Aqueduct
The Espada Aqueduct
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4.0
17 reviews
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Bill B
Pueblo, CO1,416 contributions
Oct 2020
This is a very small site just off Mission Road and the Mission trail. We had no problems parking but there is a trail head here so in busier times parking may be difficult. This a marker which talks to the construction and importance of the aqueduct and the reason this elevated section is in this location. To understand that this structure was built in the early 1700's as the builders were subject to attack is pretty incredible. I would say that this is a structure where you research its importance either before you visit or after.
Written 1 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
volcanogirl
Houston, TX16,385 contributions
Apr 2022
This is the oldest Spanish Aqueduct in the United States. Amazing that it was built in the 1700s and is still standing today. It's located very close to Mission Espada and was used to take water to the fields. This is a very small site; we were the only ones there when we visited. Definitely worth a quick stop if you're doing the Mission Trail. There's a small parking lot where you can park.
Written 23 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenn Watts
McAllen, TX192 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
Having visited the beautiful missions in San Antonio multiple times, the Espada Aqueduct was the one area I hadn’t seen. It was a typically scorching late afternoon in August, and my parents and I had the park entirely to ourselves. It seems more like you’re in the south Texas countryside, rather than a city. Listening to the birds, and the shallow, rippling creek beneath the Aqueduct was relaxing in itself. Fish were easily seen, a few spiders, content to stay on their webs, and a breeze rustled through the trees. The Aqueduct itself is a marvel of San Antonio’s historic origins, and being the only one still in operation, is worth seeing. The hill leading down to the stream, has rocks and trees, to sit, and take in the surroundings. Don’t forget your sunscreen and water. It was hot, but the combination of nature, and imagining the ingenuity used to create this Aqueduct in the 1700’s, made it 100% worth it.
Written 6 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor B
Chicago, IL8,479 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Ever plan a trip itinerary, then discover an attraction along the way that you never expected to see--but glad you did. Like the Espada Aqueduct in San Antonio, Texas. How do you miss something that is designated as a National Historic Landmark? Located on Espada Road, north of Mission Espada, it is the oldest Spanish aqueduct in the United States. Built by Franciscan Friars in 1731, it still carries water over Six-Mile Creek on its way to Mission Espada. It was built to supply irrigation water to the lands near Mission Espada. The aqueduct showcases European engineering feats and masonry work. It has withstood major floods and has survived for nearly 300 years. Before the completion of the aqueduct, the Spanish would have used hollowed out logs to carry water over the creek. Once complete, water flowed across the top of the aqueduct in a channel until reunited with the earthen ditch on the other side, then flowed southwardly to Mission Espada and the farmland. Visitors can view the aqueduct from 9 to 4:30 daily. Today, it is part of the San Antonio Mission National Historical Park. In order to distribute water to the missions along the San Antonio River, Franciscan missionaries oversaw the construction of a 15-mile network of seven gravity-flow ditches, dams and at least one aqueduct that irrigated about 3,500 acres of land. The Espada Aqueduct was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
Written 3 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NanaMarlin
Lakeland, FL74 contributions
Aug 2019
This was so amazing to know that this aqueduct and dam, which took 5 years to construct in the 1700s, could survive for centuries and still be a useful part of the city. Be sure to read the information available on site.
Written 18 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
P5_Crazy_Train
Austin, TX1,086 contributions
June 2018 • Family
Fascinating piece of history that illustrates just how brilliant previous generations were without a whole lot of complicated technology. The genius of the aqueduct system used for the missions has lasted for centuries and is proof that good ideas don’t need to be fancy to be groundbreaking.
Written 4 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mother15
Chicago, IL479 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
JMJ The only real Aqueduct in the United States and this one looks new but is as old as the Missions. When we think of an aqueduct we think of ancient Rome or the Roman Empire. Those pictured never explained what all the fuss was about an aqueduct but if you just cross the road near the Mission Espada you'll see a working aqueduct. You can not walk on it as it is very old and a working part of the River Walk Area. You'll be able to get a visual lesson on what and how an aqueduct is and how it helped keep the fields watered for the large Mission population. Enjoyed all the Missions but this one of a kind attraction helped make the whole trip even more worth while; and all of it is free admittance!
Written 17 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louis F
Altus, OK1,231 contributions
May 2023
Cool little spot with some history tied to the missions nearby. It closes at 4:30 but I went around there and the gate was still open.
Written 27 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moore
10 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
The aqua duct is something of a sight but the lack of continuing maintenance of the duct and surrounding area is lacking.
Written 30 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gage C
Houston, TX47 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
It's a small site along the Mission trails that can be parked out for those driving between the Missions. It's small and can be seen in a couple of minutes with no detour, so worth seeing for those along the trail.
Written 20 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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