MIAMI.- Traveling around the US, we see that there is no shortage of things to enjoy in Saint AnthonyTexasThis historic city boasts a unique cuisine that pleases palates and a wide variety of places to visit, including those listed by UNESCO and built by the Spanish.
Let’s start with the story. What started as a small Native American village grew when the Spanish built the Mission Saint Anthony de Valero (El lamo) and other buildings at the beginning of the 17th century.
Later, with the arrival of 16 families from the Canary Islands, San Antonio began to take shape as a town.
Spain abandoned the area and France took control, but the Spanish returned and left again, and Mexico claimed the land in 1821 when the neighboring country declared its independence from the Spanish.
In 1836, white American settlers (Texans) entrenched themselves at El Alamo for 13 days to confront the Mexican army. Although most of them died, the battle was a turning point in the Texas Revolution.
Nine years later, in 1845, Texas became the 28th state of the United States.
In this way, San Antonio evolved into a prosperous city of 1.5 million inhabitants, the second most populous in the state of Texas.
The river
Yes, San Antonio is hot in the summer, but it is much cooler in the fall and winter.
Here the River Walk is the number one attraction, as envisioned by architect Robert HH Hugman in 1929.
The two-mile loop in the center of town offers a wide variety of restaurants, tours, art and shopping. At night, a vibrant nightlife takes over the place with music, restaurants and bars.
Stand on one of the many bridges to enjoy the riverside setting, before embarking on a boat tour, say Go Rio Boat Tour, to see some of the city’s most iconic buildings and history.
Gastronome
Tex-Mex cuisine reigns supreme here. It is a kind of fusion of traditional Mexican food with additives such as sour cream, nachos, crispy tacos, chili con queso or fajitas.
If you prefer Texas barbecue, Pinkerton’s is the place to go. You’ll be amazed by the menu. From beef ribs and glazed pork ribs to chopped pork, sausages and sandwiches, and a bar with 100 cocktails to choose from.
Artes
History is about the arts and the Spanish Colonial Missions of San Antonio are places to explore Spain’s influence in this part of what is now the United States.
Just a 10-minute drive from downtown San Antonio you’ll find the visitor center at Mission San Jose. The Alamo and four other Spanish colonial missions have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Don’t miss the modest Spanish Governor’s Palace, built in the early 18th century and restored in the 1930s.
In addition to traditional art, there is also experimental art, and the Hopscotch Gallery is a salon that presents interactive installations created by leading artists.
The San Antonio Museum of Art takes you around the world through 5,000 years of art. The vast gallery features important permanent collections of Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, Asian art, Latin American art and American painting.
If you want to learn more about Texas, the Buckhorn Saloon and the Texas Ranger Museum feature a collection of exotic stuffed animals and an up-close look at cowboy life.
Bordering downtown San Antonio is the King William neighborhood, home to some of the city’s most historic and beautiful homes. Many have been restored by preservation enthusiasts, and some have been transformed into museums. Villa Finale, a formidable Italian Renaissance mansion built in 1876 and filled with antiques and located on King William Street, is one such place.
How to get there
San Antonio has a comfortable and modern airport that is located 20 minutes from the city.
Well connected, with restaurants and shops, SAT has non-stop flights from Dallas and many other cities.
Where to stay overnight
This Texas city has plenty of places to stay overnight, from hostels and Airbnb apartments to five-star hotels and historic buildings, like The Gunter, where you can travel back in time.