Alamo Images - Student Activity

When the Spanish built missions in Texas in the 1700s, they used certain architectural elements in these buildings. Each of these elements served a certain purpose and were part of every Spanish mission. Although the original Alamo chapel exhibited all three of these elements, over the years, two of them have disappeared. Read about these architectural elements below; then use this information to complete the following two worksheets.  

Roman Arch - structural device invented and used by the ancient Romans to support great weight. These arches were often used to shape mission windows, doors, and parapets. There are several Roman arches visible on the Alamo today.

The Crucifix - a cross which symbolizes Christianity. This was a powerful tool which helped the Spanish Catholic priests tell the story of Jesus to the Native Americans they wished to convert to Christianity. Although crucifixes were originally part of the Alamo chapel, none exist there today.

Belfry - bell tower which held the mission bells. The bells were used to wake the mission inhabitants in the morning and to call them to prayer and work during the day. Although there are currently no belfries on the Alamo, there were at one time.

Directions - In each of the four Texas Spanish Missions below, label all examples of the following architectural elements: Roman Arches, Crucifixes, and Belfries.

Directions - Below is a drawing of the Alamo as it appears today. Although Roman arches are vi sable on the building, we don't see either of the other two architectural elements present in all Spanish missions. Using your imagination, change this picture into a true Spanish mission by drawing in crucifixes and one or more belfries.