The original San Fernando Church was constructed between 1738 and 1749.  The walls of the church now form the Cathedral’s sanctuary.  Therefore, San Fernando Cathedral is the oldest operating Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States. 

In February 1836, Mexican General Santa Anna flew a red flag from the rooftop of the church signaling no mercy and no surrender to the Alamo Defenders.  The Cathedral today is not just a place of worship but many believe that the Cathedral symbolizes a unity for San Antonio since a marble coffin located in the southeast corner of the chapel claims to hold some of the remains of the Alamo defenders.  The remains were found under a sanctuary railing during church renovations in 1936.

Next to the Cathedral in the Cathedral Centre is a small gift shop that has religious articles, candles and souvenirs.  A museum and cafe is also located in the Centre.  The museum tells the history of the Cathedral. 

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