Culture of San Antonio. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The Alamo Mission Fortress is the main historical symbol of the city and the most important landmark of Texas. The history of this outstanding structure is very unusual. It is the former Mission San Antonio de Valero . The construction of the Catholic mission started in 1744, shortly after the foundation of the new city by Spanish settlers. A noteworthy fact - the mission was not completed. At the end of the 18th century, it became fully desolated. In the early 19th century, the building was converted into the barracks for the Mexican soldiers. The fortress was used as barracks until 1835. It is believed that it were Mexican soldiers who gave the building a new name. For a long time, the building served various military purposes, but it was seriously damaged during hostilities. The rebuilding works started in 1912. Today, the partially restored mission is the main symbol of Texas independence.

The picturesque promenade of San Antonio River Walk is another prominent attraction of the city. It stretches along the San Antonio River and remains the most popular tourist district. The coastline is almost completely given to pedestrians. Many popular hotels, restaurants, trendy boutiques, and nightclubs are open in this part of the city. As a rule, travelers enjoy making a stroll on the promenade in the evening, when original artistic lighting illuminates the waterfront. It is also worth noting that there are several important cultural centers close to the coastline, including the La Villita Historic Arts Village and the Arneson River Theater . The construction of the waterfront began in 1939. Nowadays, its length is almost 5 kilometers.

The Museum of Modern Art or McNay Art Museum is one of the most unusual cultural centers of the city. It is the first cultural institution of this kind in the state of Texas. The Museum regularly holds interesting exhibitions devoted to works of local artists. Travelers keen on ancient architecture should take a walk through the picturesque district of King William . This part of the city features a number of spectacular buildings in Victorian style. Wealthy immigrants from Spain built their elegant mansions in the district. Spanish Governor's Palace is one of the most fabulous and spectacular buildings in the area. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

San Antonio is not deprived of unique modern monuments, and one of these landmarks is located in the territory of the scenic Hemisphere Park. It is the Tower of the Americas , height of which is 229 meters. The tower has two great observation decks that vacationers will find interesting to visit, as well as an attractive restaurant with a panoramic view. In the immediate vicinity of the main historical monument of the city, tourists will find another landmark - San Antonio Missions National Historical Park . It’s the place where visitors can see four Catholic missions. These are the only religious missions that have managed to survive and retain their original meaning over the years of long battles.

The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum is another unusual cultural institution. This restaurant-museum truly looks like an original museum, which exhibition is devoted to the Wild West. Finally, San Fernando Cathedral should be mentioned as one of the main religious attractions in the city. It is also one of the oldest buildings in San Antonio.