Spanish Governor's Palace, San Antonio

I found this to be one of the most interesting places in San Antonio. The Spanish Governor's Palace dates back to the early 18th century, one of the oldest structures in the city. It eventually became the seat of power in Texas as the capitol building of the then-Spanish territory. The colonial governor lived here too. He ran the territory, raised his family and entertained dignitaries, all from here.

It's actually a very small building for a palace. It's a one-story building, next to the current city hall, built in Spanish Colonial style. Admission is only $2 - one of the best bargains in San Antonio. You walk the grounds yourself; no guided tours, but there are several displays on how the Spanish governors worked and lived in this fascinating era. Also check out the historical artifacts; some are several centuries old. Everything's in this one small building: living quarters for the entire family, a governing chamber, a ballroom, and a big back yard. It's everything an 18th century colonial governor and his family could ever want!

The Spanish Governor's Palace is a great place to go back in time, to colonial Texas, and see how people lived. You need not spend more than an hour here...I really enjoyed my visit.

the spanish governor's palace dates back to 1722 and is the last remaining example of an aristocratic spanish house in texas. in 1772 the palace was the governmental seat of the province of spanish tejas (texas). a very worth while place to visit when in downtown san antonio. admission $2.00.

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This is not what one thinks of as a typical palace, but Texas was a wild and rustic country in 1749 when this building was constructed. Those who lived here were officials of Spanish Texas and used this as living and working quarters.

For a small donation, you can see how those of import lived. One of the first rooms you'll see was used as an office and sometimes bedroom of the governor. It could be accessed from the street when used for official business. When Moses Austin (see next tip) petitioned the governor to bring families to Texas, he came to this office.

Two additional bedrooms used by the family, were outfitted with the massive Spanish style furniture so identified with that culture (picture #3). A family living area and dining room, where many of the festivities occurred were of generous size. The dining room led to the chapel which held heavy carved wood pews, wrought iron candle stands and reliquary niche (picture #4).

A tiled courtyard sits to the rear of the building, where a lovely fountain resides. It would have been a pleasant place in which to sit, conduct business or while away the afternoon in the hot days of summer (picture #5).

Hours are Mon.-Sat., 9am-5pm; Sun. 10 am-5pm.

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The Spanish Governor's Palace was built in 1722. Originally a military post built to help defend the region's missions, it served as the seat of the Spanish Government in Tejas from 1772 until 1821.

The main areas inside the Palace are the chapel, the chamber for the creation of law, the main ballroom, the Governor's quarters, guests quarters, children's room, family room, and the kitchen with storage loft. Behind the house is a small, tranquil garden.

The unique "Legend of the Doors" is the story of the various symbols carved around the door frames. Though seemingly random, when followed in order they relate the story of the Spanish arrival and conquest of the new world.

Entrance is just $1.50

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This mid-18th century building served as the official residence of the Spanish governor of this province. Now a national historic landmark, it is furnished with period pieces, providing a close look at colonial life. After the Alamo, this is San Antonio's most significant historic structure.

A national historic landmark was originally the quarters of the commander for Spanish troops. He actually established a fort here to guard against colonisation by the French. It was initially intended to be the residence of the presidio (fort) commander but then it came to symbolise the seat of the Texas government in 1722. (open 7 days).

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Construction on this edifice began in 1731, soon after colonists from the Canary Islands began settling in this area, and was finished in 1750. San Fernando is the oldest cathedral sanctuary in the US and was the site of a papal visit in 1987. Mexican General Santa Ana raised the red flag of no quarter from the cathedral during the siege of the Alamo in 1836.

This historic site is often overlooked in favor of the Alamo and other missions. It is not particularly palacial, yet the Spanish Governer's Palace is very important in historical significance. This area was once ruled from here, and now the small compound has been restored to reflect the Spanish influence in San Antonio. There are several rooms that can be viewed as well as the nice courtyard in the back of the building. There was an admission charge, however it was very inexpensive. The palace can be found in the middle of downtown San Antonio