World Heritage USA 2023 Symposium

Affirming Cultural Identity: World Heritage in the 21st Century

ICOMOS-USA, World Heritage USA, and partners will gather in San Antonio, Texas, to explore and celebrate the cultural identities that make up our shared heritage 1-3 November 2023.

In addition to the morning Symposium sessions, our time in San Antonio will include an Opening Reception at the Alamo and tours of the World Heritage Site Missions and their neighborhoods. We will conclude our time in San Antonio with the 2023 Gala Celebration of World Heritage, a festive dinner fundraiser at the El Camino de San Antonio Missions Center.

San Antonio 2023 Events and Tours

Wednesday, 1 November 2023

• 6 pm Opening Reception at the Alamo, hosted and sponsored by the Alamo Trust on the grounds of the Alamo with Living History actors providing historic stories for attendees

Thursday, 2 November 2023

• 2 – 5 pm: Tours
  • Dia de los Muertos/Historic La Villita, 2 – 3:30 pm (Free).  Historic La Villita Village is one of San Antonio’s oldest neighborhoods. Located steps from the Alamo, this village was settled by people associated with Mission San Antonio de Valero and likely dates to prior to 1722s. Today, after restoration championed by the San Antonio Conservation Society, the village continues to serve San Antonio as a destination for cultural events and heritage tourism. This walking tour, guided by Vincent Michael of the San Antonio Conservation Society, will provide you with the history of the village and its role in San Antonio’s cultural life. As you tour, you’ll be able to view the Dia de los Muertos celebration exhibit which spans the historic village and learn about the findings from recent archaeological digs.

• • San Antonio Missions World Heritage Site Tour, 2 – 5 pm ($60). Bus tour to the four (4) missions within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park including the mission grounds and interiors of the four active churches. Participants will learn the complex interwoven story of the San Antonio Missions from the National Park Service, Missions Descendants, the San Antonio Archdiocese, and a masonry conservator. Note: this admission fee covers the travel to and from the tour. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a fee free park and can be visited independently of this tour for no cost.

Friday, 3 November 2023

• 2 – 5 pm: Tours
  • Alamo Tour, 2 – 3:30 pm (free) An archaeological and conservation tour of the Alamo. Everyone has head the story of the Alamo, this tour incorporates that story through the perspective of recent archeological findings and the meticulous work to conserve the over 300 year old structure.

• • Taco Tour 1 – 4:30 pm ($75) San Antonio leveraged its UNESCO World Heritage Status to achieve recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Guided by San Antonio’s First Lady and the City of San Antonio’s World Heritage Office staff, this tour will take you to three local restaurants.Arrive hungry and be prepared to taste some of San Antonio’s best tacos! Learn about a legacy business, the original puffy taco and how local chefs are keeping it authentic, while adapting to today’s culinary trends. San Antonio’s gastronomy is a celebration of our food and culture, and is the result of how we sustain, share and blend it with new influences. We are true to our roots, yet open to innovation! Please note: if you are a vegetarian, have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please reach out to worldheritage@sanantonio.gov prior to October 16th so that we can determine if we can make accommodations.
  • San Antonio Missions World Heritage Site Tour, 2 – 5 pm ($60). Bus tour to the four (4) missions within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park including the mission grounds and interiors of the four active churches. Participants will learn the complex interwoven story of the San Antonio Missions from the National Park Service, Missions Descendants, the San Antonio Archdiocese, and a masonry conservator. Note: this admission fee covers the travel to and from the tour. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a fee free park and can be visited independently of this tour for no cost.
• 6 pm:  Gala Celebration of World Heritage at at the El Camino de San Antonio Missions Center

Additional Attractions 

If you plan to spend more time in San Antonio, please consider the following attractions recommended by our partners:

San Antonio River Mission Reach

The San Antonio Mission Reach is a beautiful ecological way. This can be accessed on foot or by 13 mile bike ride.

San Antonio River Boat Tours

Tour downtown San Antonio and the Museum Reach of the San Antonio river on this iconic boat ride.

Legacy Business Tour

Downtown is home to some of San Antonio’s oldest businesses—this self guided walking tour will take you to restaurants, milliners, and bars that give San Antonio that authentic feel.