THE SPANISH GOVERNOR'S PALACE

A governor's palace by tradition only, this building housed the Spanish (and later Mexican) captain of the city's presidio (fort). It is all that remains in Texas of the elegance of Spanish aristocracy. Its keystone bears the Hapsburg coat of arms -- its walls are nearly three feet thick. It was finished in 1749 and restored in 1930. It has served as everything from private residence to public school to tavern, and is now owned by the City of San Antonio.