Spanish Governor's Palace Attractions & Landmark
Home of Texas's Early Spanish Ruler
San Antonio,
TX, 78205
United States
+1 210 224 0601
http://www.sanantonio.gov/dtop..
kirvin@sanantonio.gov
Overview
Spanish Governor's Palace is the "most beautiful building" in the city according to the National Geographic Society. This national historic landmark was originally the official residence of the Governor of the Spanish Province of Texas in the late 18th century. The building is like a step back in time, replete with period furnishings, small rooms with low ceilings and thick stucco walls. The cobblestone patio features beautiful foliage and a fountain supposedly haunted by a former resident. Most noteworthy is the original keystone over the entrance, which bears the carved, double-headed eagle from the Hapsburg coat of arms along with an inscription, in Spanish, reading "finished in 1749."Open Hours
Mo to Sa from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM, Su from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
This was one of our favorite places. Partly because so much happened here. You can tell it's not a replica building. There is a ring attached to the front of the building where Santa Anna tied his horse. This is supposed to be one of the most haunted places in San Antonio. Unfortunatley, alot of death happened here. Check out the history on it, and go see it! Ask about the tree of sorrows.
The Spanish Governor's Palace is worth a visit. It won't take very long as the building is not very large. I enjoyed our visit, but I did not feel that the history of the building was very well described or documented. Many of the furnishings were donations from various individuals that often did not seem related to the building or its history. It was still very exiciting to be in a place that has been standing for as many years as it has. It would be nice if the building had displays and information that would better explain its significance and its place in the historical context.
The curator of the museum was fantastic! His family had been taking care of the place for sometime and he had an intimate knowledge of the place.
If you are into big glitzy mansions you will be disappointed. But if you want to see what qualified as a mansion 300 hundred years ago this is wonderful.The Govenor lived pretty well. This gave me more of a feel for Texas as part of Mexico. How lucky it wasn't destroyed.
The Spainsh governers palace is a great way to learn about spanish life in the early days of tejas.
