Once the missionaries had established a temporary shelter, they would begin to build the mission's church. The church was typically the largest and most important building in the mission. It was built of adobe or stone and often had a tower or bell tower.
After the church was completed, the missionaries would build other buildings, such as a convent, a school, and a hospital. The convent was where the priests and brothers lived. The school was where the children of the indigenous people were taught Spanish and religion. The hospital was where the sick and injured were treated.
The missions were typically built by the indigenous people under the direction of the missionaries. The indigenous people would provide the labor to construct the buildings. The missionaries would provide the plans and supervise the construction.
The construction of the missions was a complex and time-consuming process. It could take many years to complete a mission. However, the missions were very important to the Spanish colonization of the Americas. They played a key role in spreading Catholicism and in educating the indigenous people.
