4 HISTORICAL SITES WORTH A VISIT IN SAN ANTONIO

Founded over 300 years ago, San Antonio is a city rife with history. However, there’s no better way to soak up this history than a visit to a few of the city’s most popular and significant historical sites. From the world-famous Alamo to more modern buildings and areas, San Antonio’s history is one of the best and most well-preserved in the Lone Star State.

1. SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Founded in the early 1700s, San Antonio was originally a settlement for Spanish Franciscan monks, aimed at converting the locals to Catholicism. During the reign of Philip V of Spain, these monks spread the faith throughout large portions of Latin America, pushing into California and the American Southwest. Although many of the missions built during this period of proselytization have crumbled, five of them still stand in San Antonio.

Four of these missions — Concepcion, Espada, San Jose, and San Juan Capistrano — comprise the San Antonio Missions National Monument. The amazing architecture, blend of Spanish and post-Aztec cultures, and building preservation give the missions a unique mix of characteristics, hence its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What’s more interesting is that the legendary Alamo isn’t included as part of the national monument, yet it is part of the UNESCO site.

For an amazing experience, go to a Sunday mass at any of the four churches, as each of them still have a large practicing congregation.

2. THE ALAMO

Maybe you want to take a picture of San Antonio’s most-photographed building, or you just want to see the site of the famous battle and take it all in. Regardless of your reason, you’ll have to take a visit to the Alamo. Located in downtown San Antonio, the Alamo has been meticulously preserved.

Inside, visitors can check out artifacts and read about the horrors of the Battle of Alamo, the famous conflict where all 200-plus defenders of the Alamo perished, including American frontiersmen Davy Crockett, William Travis, and Jim Bowie. It’s a sobering experience that evokes a sense of gratitude and patriotism in Texans and every guest that enters through the Alamo’s doors.

3. PEARL DISTRICT

During the height of manufacturing and industrialization, the Pearl District in San Antonio was booming. Once hit with economic despair and left to fall apart, modern times have seen the area in the midst of a revival. Most of the architecture and buildings from the late 1800s remain, giving the district a feel of its own. Make sure to visit the Pearl Brewery complex for a cold brew, shopping, and dining.

4. TOWER OF THE AMERICAS

If you’re searching for the best view in San Antonio, head to the Tower of the Americas in downtown San Antonio. Built for the 1968 World’s Fair, the 750-foot-tall structure has sweeping, 360-degree views of the city, a revolving fine-dining restaurant, and kid’s 4D theater. Before or after your visit, check out Hemisphere Park at the base, which commemorates the 1968 fair.

No matter where you decide to go in San Antonio, you’ll find an exciting historical site that’s sure to quell the curiosity of the history buff inside you.