This palace, what we today would call the Governor’s Mansion, is one of the earliest buildings in the Presidio de Bejar. It was the capitol building of the Spanish province of New Spain in 1772 until 1821, when Mexico won its independence from Spain.
The National Geographic Society considered it “the most beautiful building in San Antonio.” Bob and I find the architecture nothing short of serene. It may be the sole remaining example of an aristocratic early Spanish house, at least in Texas.
Consisting of 10 rooms with a grand courtyard and fountain, today you can rent out the courtyard for receptions. The 10 rooms consist of a Chapel, Entrance, Ballroom, the Governor’s main quarters, Chamber Law Room, Family Room, 2 bedrooms, a kitchen and terrace.
The elaborate keystone above the front entrance is marked with the coat-of-arms of Spanish King Ferdinand VI and the phrase “ano 1749 se acabo” suggest the construction was completed in 1749. The seashells represent la Niña, la Piñta, and la Santa Maria sailing for the new world, and the dragons represent the dangers encountered by the first settlers. Finally, the baby face suggests the new country, America. Of course, the picture I took vanished!
The Spanish Governor’s Palace fell into private hands after Spain lost control of Texas. In 1929 the Palace was acquired by the City of San Antonio and restored. It is now maintained by the Downtown Operations Department and is open to the public as a museum. A very small entrance fee is charged. It is located between Market Square and the San Antonio River Walk near City Hall.
Several more pictures follow in this slide show. As flash photography is not allowed inside the palace, the low light conditions made some of the pictures a little grainy. I think you will enjoy them anyway.
For further information: (210) 224-0601
Spanish Governor's Mansion
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