We went back to the sight of the Saga Light Show, San Fernando Cathedral, to see it during the day time. This cathedral was founded in 1731, with the original portion of the church built between 1738 and 1750, making it one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States (locals claim it’s the oldest, and I’m not one to argue with a local, particularly not in Texas).
We didn’t spend much time inside as a wedding was about to happen. The cathedral was built by soldiers from the Presidio de San Antonio as well as settlers from the Canary Islands. For this reason the interior has an image of the Virgin of Candelaria, the patroness of the Canary Islands.
In 1836 the cathedral, still a parish church, played a role in the Battle of the Alamo when General Santa Anna hoisted a flag of “no quarter” (surrender or die) from the church’s tower, marking the beginning of the siege.
Just across the Main Plaza is this interesting looking building, the Bexar County Courthouse.
Just outside the courthouse this historical plaque once again referred to immigrants from the Canary Islands. These Spanish settlers formed the first organized civil government in Texas, founding San Antonio in 1731. This makes San Antonio the second oldest city in the United States, behind only St. Augustine (which we are visiting towards the end of this trip).
We spent some time at Historic Market Square, a collection of shops selling Mexican goods. Pretty much every store was selling the sort of thing you’d see if you ever visited Tijuana, minus the Chiclets at the border crossing. I’d skip it unless you are into that sort of thing. I didn’t take any photos.
I also didn’t take any photos of the restaurant on the second night, Bliss, but it was the best meal we’ve had in a long time! We had the best grilled Octopus we’ve had since we visited Spain, and Kim’s “Shrimp and Grits” was out of this world good! My scallops were excellent as well. If you come to San Antonio, come here!! Here is a photo off the internet of the interior. Gorgeous spot!
Walking on the River Walk on a Friday or Saturday night is like walking on the Vegas strip….crowded as hell with a lot of obviously over-indulged people! I would opt for mid-week if possible….Thursday night was a ghost town by comparison. It does look beautiful at night.
The line to take a boat ride looked like it might be at least an hour long if not more. Still, it’s beautiful at night.
We decided to opt for the boat tour on on our last morning, when it wasn’t nearly as crowded. Our guide pointed out the bridge in the background, called the Selena Bridge, as it was used in the movie “Selena”, which we’ve never seen. Jennifer Lopez stars as Selena, and she was proposed to on this bridge in the movie, so it’s a big attraction for Selena fans (I have no idea who she is). According to our guide Jennifer Lopez was actually proposed to on this bridge, but he was unable to answer our question “which marriage”? There have been too many.
The guide pointed out this building, which was the first air conditioned hospital in San Antonio, where none other than Carol Burnett was born. At least some of the people on the boat knew who that is! This is the Nix Building, built in 1930, a 23-story hospital that made it the tallest and largest in the US at the time.
After the tour we walked over to the Saint Joseph Catholic Church, which is completely surrounded by a mall. The church was built by German immigrants and completed in 1871. The archdiocese refused to sell out to the mall developer so they had to build around it.
It reminded me of “The Little House” book I read as a child. Loved that book!
We wanted to see the stained glass windows that were imported from Munich in 1902. Unfortunately the church was closed, but still beautiful from the outside.
Of course we were again near The Alamo, so I had to get one last shot from a different angle.
The Walgreen Drugs in downtown San Antonio was one of the first of the stores, opening in 1901. They still have the original neon sign!
That is it for San Antonio. If you plan a trip here I think 3 days is sufficient. We found ourselves searching for things to do with 4 days. Onward to New Orleans, where we meet up with friends for Myra’s 50th birthday! Hopefully I can find some time to post a blog or two!
Great account of your time in San Antonio