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Spanish Governor's Palace

Spanish Governor's Palace

Spanish Governor's Palace
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Adobe building built in the mid-1700s for the Spanish presidio, now a major tourist attraction.
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The area

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Neighborhood: Downtown
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See what travelers are saying

  • TorontoDiver
    54 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the oldest "Keystones" you'll find in the USA over the entrance, dated 1749.
    This is one of the smaller attractions we visited and were not disappointed. It consists of 10 rooms, a terrace, and a garden. The layout is interesting. The facility grew from a one-room home in 1722 to the 10 rooms over the course of 200+ years, being added as needed during that time. It is one of the earliest buildings in the region still standing today. There are artifacts, paintings, and restoration notes spread around the different rooms, depicting life as it was in those days.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 24, 2023
  • kadorto
    Indianapolis, Indiana112 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Definitely recommend
    We kinda stumbled across this site and after visiting, I was a bit surprised it didn’t rate higher on the trip advisor list. Best described as a hidden gem and definitely worth a visit. Only need an hour or so to tour.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written January 6, 2024
  • lovetoteach964
    Long Island, New York104 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Quick Stop for some Texas History
    If you're interested in Texas History, this is a good stop to make if you're visiting the Historic market as it's located one to two blocks away from there. I wouldn't make a special trip though, as it only takes about 45 minutes to go through the building and grounds and read the information. There is a docent there to answer questions if you have any. Admission is $5 per person.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 27, 2024
  • jsknight20
    Austin, Texas220 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Everything is not what it seemed
    Great for a quick bit of history in an uncrowded location. Began as humble officer quarters, but added on to again, and again, and again. Being saved from almost certain bulldozing, brought us this home whose former prime location saw so much history.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles265 reviews
Excellent
76
Very good
110
Average
69
Poor
7
Terrible
3

StevenVA
Chesterfield, VA781 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Friends
We visited the Spanish Governor’s Palace to enjoy some of the history of San Antonio. The house and terrace are well presented representations of the original residence. The tour is self guided and descriptive placards in each room give detailed descriptions.

Maximum price is only $5 per person, with discounts for seniors, military and children.
Written September 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Larry G
Auburn, CA229 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021 • Couples
Nice example of 18th century accommodations for the Spanish governor. The house is located directly behind the Cathedral, which is on the original main plaza. Thick Adobe walls, numerous rooms and a couple nice garden areas in back. Only $5 for general admission and $3 for over 60.
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

lovetoteach964
Long Island, NY104 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Couples
If you're interested in Texas History, this is a good stop to make if you're visiting the Historic market as it's located one to two blocks away from there. I wouldn't make a special trip though, as it only takes about 45 minutes to go through the building and grounds and read the information. There is a docent there to answer questions if you have any. Admission is $5 per person.
Written April 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

tinaNtravel
San Jose, CA2,122 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Couples
We were walking by this place, saw it and decided to pay the small entrance fee to visit inside. The home is maintained as it had been at that time. Note that it is a small home as opposed to what one would think of as a palace. The outside garden was small, but rather nice. I think this would make a nice school history field trip.
Written November 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ld B
Sulphur Springs, TX153 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021
We wanted to tour the Palace but you can only see it by registering online. The website is NOT user friendly. It took a long time to figure it out and we almost gave up. It's so ridiculous because no one was even there besides us and they are so freaky about Covid still. The house is great but you have to really want to tour it to get through all the red tape!
Written April 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kadorto
Indianapolis, IN112 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
We kinda stumbled across this site and after visiting, I was a bit surprised it didn’t rate higher on the trip advisor list. Best described as a hidden gem and definitely worth a visit. Only need an hour or so to tour.
Written January 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jsknight20
Austin, TX220 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
Great for a quick bit of history in an uncrowded location. Began as humble officer quarters, but added on to again, and again, and again. Being saved from almost certain bulldozing, brought us this home whose former prime location saw so much history.
Written August 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Corusc80
Kansas City166 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
We were very disappointed with this attraction, probably because we were not aware so much of the building is not authentic but reconstructed. For example, many of the beams in the ceiling are old telephone poles. Patches over electric cords are ugly and distracting. The rooms are for the most part empty with a few pieces of furniture. The view pottery accents are not vintage and appear to have been made overseas and lack the region's authentic beauty. The garden is a mix of old and new. While the tickets are reasonable enough in nature, we were still expecting to see an authentic site and were disappointed.
Written July 6, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CynthiafromOhio2011
Cleveland, OH337 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2012 • Friends
Although known as the Governor's Palace, this is a bit of a misnomer as it was the original residence (and office) of the captain of the millary garrison (the Presidio) in San Antonio. No Spanish governors ever lived here; and it is not a palace, but a very charming adobe and stucco home. This place is listed in the National Georgraphic Guide to America's Great Houses (150 Outstanding Mansions).

Construction began in 1720's, but was not completed until the 1740's. As the commander' quarters (and working office) it was expanded over time, but remained a one-story, flat roofed house. There are large roof timbers, large (for the time) windows, and massive doors. In the 1870's the building was converted from a residence to a commercial operation (stores, saloon, etc.). It was originally restored in the 1930's. One of the charms of the building is that speculative (and very romantic) comments of the 1930's preservationist efforts have been preserved.

The house is only about 10 rooms and surrounds a large courtyard with a beautiful octagonal, fountain. Besides touring the house (self-guided tours only), take a break and sit in the lovely garden.

The large front doors are particularly noteworthy as they supposedly tell the story of Spanish exploration in the new world through ornate symbolism. The doors was carved as part of the 1930's restoration! Above the doors, however, is the original stone keystone, dating back to 1700's Spain.

It costs $4 to visit, but is worth it as this a beautiful place. Although you can tour this in less than an hour, it is fun to linger and read the signage from the 1930's restoration efforts (along with the more contemporary comments). This is a great attraction for adults, particularly those interested in history, architecture and mansions, but not much of an attraction for children. Although there were no guides, the two ladies at the front desk (collecting the admission charge) were very friendly and helpful. This place is conveniently located not far from San Fernando Cathedral and the Market Square.
Written March 6, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Biscuithill
Canyon Lake68 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Beautiful grounds and a since of history everywhere. We went in the middle of Summer, so I suggest a more temperate season. But if you need to go in the Summer, please do, just be prepared for the heat.
Written February 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Spanish Governor's Palace - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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