SA Missions in running for World Heritage Site

SAN ANTONIO – The five San Antonio Missions could soon be recognized as a World Heritage Site.

It's a process many have been working on since 2006.

A group of about 15 city and county officials, led by Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff and Mayor Ivy Taylor, are in Bonn, Germany, for the World Heritage Summit, which takes place from June 28 through July 8. An announcement on San Antonio will be made on July 5.

"It elevates the Missions up to the same status as the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Wall of China, the Statue of Liberty and says we are equally important on a global scale," said World Heritage Coordinator Susan Snow.

During the 10 day summit, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization decides if the Missions and over 35 other sites across the world gets inscribed as a World Heritage Site.

"Between the merits of the site and the great protection systems we have, I think we will be able to convince them that we are ready to be a World Heritage Site," Snow said.

You can learn more about World Heritage sites, including the nomination procedure, articles and slideshows on the five San Antonio Missions, by visiting a special section we've created dedicated to World Heritage.

Below, hover over the dots to learn more about each of the World Heritage Sites in the United States.