our lady of loreto chapel

It is great to see that a treasure as this has survived and is still in use for mass to this date. Very well kept and a great part of spiritual history.

The time we spent visiting here was worth every minute. The church is very nice inside and the Texas history at this church is something that everyone should know.

Positives: Amazingly preserved; historically significant areaNegatives: access through Presidio la Bahia; out of the way The Long View -Recorded history runs deep in south Texas. When Presidio la Bahia moved to it's current location in 1749...it's third location... many of America's founding fathers had not reached the age of majority. George Washington was 17 years old. John Adams was just 14, and Thomas Jefferson was only six!Then and now the chapel is an integral part of the presidio complex. Constructed to attend to spiritual needs of soldiers and Spanish constituents inside the fort, it now serves parishioners from the surrounding area.Decades passed, governments came and went, and the presidio fell into disrepair...except for the chapel! More than two-and-a-half centuries later this well-preserved structure is still in constant use as a house of worship. We are fortunate (1) it remains in its original form (the presidio walls were reconstructed in the 1960s) and (2) church leaders allow visitors to share the glory of their treasure.Observations -The chapel is the presidio's dominant feature, and a main attraction. Constructed primarily of rough stone, it's truly authentic. A rectangular bell tower and large graceful arch define the west elevation.White masonry frames heavy wooden entry doors.The interior is characterized by majestic arches, simple pews, and an inspiring mural behind the altar.Be sure to visit the small museum featuring photos, articles, and significant artifacts from the chapel's long history. Of particular interest: a Spanish colonial bell from 1748 that was used at the presidio.The Bottom Line -Our Lady of Loreto is the focal point of a historically-significant area. During our brief time inside the presidio, most of my attention was focused on the chapel. In retrospect, that was a good investment.

When my boyfriend and I decided to get married after 5 years together there was no other ceremony choice that LaBahia's Loreto Chapel. It is beautiful, historical, spiritual and such a treasure. Our friends & family were awe-struck by the mural behind the altar and those old, hand-carved doors and stone floors cannot be replicated anywhere else. Reservations are made thru LaBahia office and the staff is very accommodating...Go! If not for a wedding then simply to educate yourself on a bit of Texas history.

My family and I made it a point to attend mass on Sunday evening in this chapel. It is a small chapel, but it serves it purpose. They have a beautiful mural behind the alter with an Angel, just lovely.

Our Lady of Loreto Chapel, located in Presidio La Bahía, is a beautiful house of worship. It has been in continuous use since the 1700s. While the Presidio La Bahía has considerable historical significance in the Texas Revolution, the Chapel is the crown jewel of this fortress.

Visited here in Feb 2012. Located on the La Bahia fort grounds, this chapel has been holding continuous catholic worship service since the middle 1700's. Small, with beautiful artwork on the walls. The rest of the fort has been rebuilt, but this little church building has endured it all. A good history and photo opportunity.

This is a facinting chapel, we think. So old and so beautiful, with such a Texas historical background. Well worth visiting when you are at the Presidio.