San Fernando Cathedral, 115 Main Avenue, San Antonio, Bexar County, TX

Significance: San Fernando Cathedral is one of the important historic architectural monuments in San Antonio. A part of the present structure dates to the middle of the eighteenth century and the beginning of the present city of San Antonio and is, therefore, a significant artifact in the study of Texas eighteenth-century architecture. The building is on its original site and has been in continuous use for over two hundred years. The later, enlarged part of the church, by far the larger and more noticeable, is an example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture of a relatively late date. Although the design is lacking in many respects, it is the work of Francis Giraud, a local architect, native of South Carolina, of French parents and French-trained in his profession. Giraud was the architect for the later San Antonio Ursuline Academy buildings and the old St. Mary's Church.
Survey number: HABS TX-34
Building/structure dates: 1873 Initial Construction