Spanish Governor's Palace, San Antonio

The Spanish Governor's Palace in downtown San Antonio is a rare and beautiful relic of the Spanish Colonial era in Texas. Constructed in the early 18th century, it stands as the last visible remnant of the Presidio San Antonio de Béxar complex, embodying the architectural elegance of an aristocratic Spanish in-town residence. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1970, it is celebrated by the National Geographic Society as "the most beautiful building in San Antonio."

The building was planned as early as 1722 and completed in 1749, as evidenced by the keystone above its entrance, which bears the coat of arms of Spanish King Ferdinand VI and the completion date. Initially serving as the residence and working office of the local presidio captain, it later housed Spanish governors and functioned as the capital of Spanish Texas by 1772. The structure played a vital role in protecting nearby missions, including the famous San Antonio de Valero Mission (The Alamo) and others within what is now the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

This one-story adobe masterpiece features ten rooms, a courtyard, and a fountain, blending masonry and stucco with historical charm. Its location on Plaza de Armas, between Market Square and the San Antonio River Walk, makes it a must-visit site. Open to the public as a museum, it offers visitors a glimpse into Texas’s colonial past—and possibly an encounter with its legendary ghostly residents.