Spanish Governor's Palace

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Joined 10 years ago

It isn't palatial, but the garden and Spanish colonial structure are worth a visit.. Hidden Gem
Though signs along Commerce Street and South Flores clearly point the way to the Spanish Governor's Palace, the historic site doesn't draw large crowds. Enjoy the simple but elegant rooms (filled with impressive period furniture and everyday objects) in relative quiet.

Secret Garden
After wandering undisturbed through the rooms, step out into the sunlight and into a green oasis. A simple fountain, ringed by comfortable wooden benches, dominates the garden.

Back to Basics
The structure now known as a "palace" was built in 1722 to house the Commander of the Spanish settlement, Villa de Bejar, which eventually became the capital of the Spanish province of Texas. An informal photo scrapbook on display reveals the less noble history of the site. After 1822 the building housed a shop, restaurant bar and schoolroom. In 1929 the City purchased the building and began the meticulously authentic reconstruction.