Top architectural sightseeing and landmarks of San Antonio - ideas on city exploration routes

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It’s hard to imagine San Antonio, and USA in general, without its famous architectural landmarks. Alamo Mission, McNay Art Museum, Marriott Rivercenter Hotel, and Tower Life Building have shaped the historical and architectural look of San Antonio. Let’s take a closer look at these landmarks from an unusual perspective – simply fly over the main sights! The supporting video includes a virtual tour around the above mentioned architectural landmarks of San Antonio in HD format. Below, we will add the most exciting historical facts regarding every place of interest. The overview map of all iconic landmarks of San Antonio can be found at the bottom of the webpage.

Alamo Mission, San Antonio

Location on the map: Alamo Mission on the map

Facts:

» The Alamo Mission is one of the most unusual and most visited attractions in San Antonio. Every year, it is visited by about 2.5 million tourists.
» The former Catholic Mission was established in the 18th century. It was a building complex that consisted of a temple and a construction surrounded by a fortification wall. The Indians converted to Christianity were educated here.
» After some time, the Alamo Mission was even used as a fortress for the second Mexican air force.
» During the Texas Revolution, the building complex of the former mission was seriously damaged. At that time, Mexican troops destroyed and burnt most constructions.
» Nowadays, this complex serves as a museum.

McNay Art Museum, San Antonio

Location on the map: McNay Art Museum on the map

Facts:

» The McNay Art Museum was named after its foundress, Marion Koogler McNay. When she died in 1950, she bequeathed her collection of over 700 pieces of art, her house and piece of land to the first museum of contemporary arts in Texas.
» The museum was first opened in 1954.
» Over time, museum rooms have been extended. A gallery for art exhibitions, a room for sculptures, a lecture hall, and classrooms for museum courses were built.
» Since the foundation of the museum, the collection bequeathed by Marion McNay has been expanded to 20 000 pieces of art. The museum collection includes masterpieces of the Renaissance period, paintings, sculptures, and photos of the 19th and 20th centuries.
» Spacious and beautiful rooms can be rented for wedding ceremonies and other festive events.

Marriott Rivercenter Hotel, San Antonio

Location on the map: Marriott Rivercenter Hotel on the map

Facts: » San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter is a four-star hotel located near the Rivercenter Mall.
» At the hotel, there are outdoor and indoor infinity swimming pools. There is also a well-equipped fitness center.
» Here, you have an opportunity to taste Latin American and Spanish dishes.
» The hotel is a perfect starting point in your sightseeing tour in San Antonio because it is located a few steps away from the city embankment. You can also reach such attractions, as the Imperial Theater and the Tower of the Americans, within 20 minutes.
» The 38-storey Marriott Rivercenter Hotel represents the true spirit of San Antonio.

Tower Life Building, San Antonio

Location on the map: Tower Life Building on the map

Facts: » The Tower Life Building is an architectural attraction and historical monument in San Antonio.
» The tower that is 120 m high is considered as a true decoration of the city due to its New Gothic style.
» The 30-storey tower started to be built in 1927. Within 60 years of its construction, the building had been the highest in the city.
» The construction is named after an insurance company that owns the building now.
» In 2010, it was reconstructed, due to which its original design has been preserved.

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Build your walking routes in San Antonio on the landmark map

More to see in San Antonio

The Alamo Mission Fortress is the main historical symbol of the city and the most important landmark of Texas. The history of this outstanding structure is very unusual. It is the former Mission San Antonio de Valero. The construction of the Catholic mission started in 1744, shortly after the foundation of the new city by Spanish settlers. A noteworthy fact - the mission was not completed. At the end of the 18th century, it became fully desolated. In the early 19th century, the building was converted into the barracks for the Mexican soldiers. The fortress was used as barracks until 1835. It is believed that it were Mexican soldiers who gave the building a new name. For a long time, the building served various military purposes, but it was seriously damaged during hostilities. The rebuilding works started in 1912. Today, the partially restored mission is the main symbol of Texas independence. The picturesque promenade of San Antonio River Walk is another prominent attraction of the city. It stretches along the San Antonio River and remains the most popular tourist district. The coastline is almost completely given to pedestrians. Many popular hotels, restaurants, trendy boutiques, and nightclubs are open in this part of the city. As a rule, travelers enjoy making a stroll on the promenade in the evening, when original artistic lighting illuminates the waterfront. It is also worth noting that there are several important cultural centers close to the coastline, including the … Read further