San Fernando Cathedral Named One of the Most Haunted Places in the U.S.

San Antonio’s history and culture have always drawn visitors from around the world, but now one of the city’s most iconic landmarks is gaining recognition for something a bit more chilling. Condé Nast Traveler has listed San Fernando Cathedral, located in downtown San Antonio, among the most haunted sites in the United States.

A Historic Cathedral With Centuries of Stories

The San Fernando Cathedral is nearly as old as the city itself. Built in 1731 by Canary Island settlers, it remains one of the oldest cathedrals in the country and a cornerstone of San Antonio’s history. But while its architecture and legacy attract thousands of visitors each year, its paranormal reputation has also become part of its lore.

Ghostly Encounters and Spooky Sightings

According to Condé Nast Traveler, the cathedral’s haunted reputation dates back to renovations in 1936, when workers reportedly discovered long-buried bones and military uniforms believed to belong to three Alamo soldiers. Since then, visitors have claimed to see shadowy figures, glowing orbs in photos, and ghostly silhouettes in the church itself.

Some of the most famous sightings include:

• A man dressed in black wandering the cathedral.

• Hooded monk-like figures appearing in the shadows.

• A 2007 Halloween photograph that allegedly captured an apparition kissing a skull on a marble sarcophagus.

Part of San Antonio’s Haunted Legacy

This isn’t the first time San Antonio has earned recognition for its paranormal activity. In 2019, Condé Nast Traveler named the city one of the eight most haunted places in America. Alongside San Fernando Cathedral, the Menger Hotel and Emily Morgan Hotel were also highlighted as ghostly hotspots.

Despite its eerie reputation, the cathedral remains an active place of worship, and visitors are reminded to be respectful of mass times and confession hours. Those who prefer less spine-tingling experiences can enjoy The Saga, French artist Xavier de Richemont’s celebrated light show projected on the cathedral’s façade, which resumed this August after an extended hiatus.

The Only Texas Site on the Haunted List

San Fernando Cathedral was the only Texas property to make the Condé Nast Traveler haunted sites list, cementing its place as both a sacred landmark and a centerpiece of San Antonio’s haunted history.