In the heart of San Antonio, almost hidden amidst large skyscrapers and surrounded by a green garden, we come to one of the most important historical buildings in the United States, the Alamo, one of the most famous places to visit in Texas. Many people will be aware of the facts connected to this place thanks to the numerous movies that were inspired by it, such as The Battle of the Alamo in which John Wayne plays Davy Crockett, or the more recent Alamo – The Last Heroes produced by Ron Howard.
Those who do not know this fascinating and at the same time terrible history can pause for a moment and discover with us why this place attracts more than two and a half million visitors every year.
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History of the Alamo
Let’s start by saying that the Alamo is not really a fort since it was originally founded in the 18th century as a Franciscan mission to convert the local population to Christianity. It owes its fame to the battle fought in 1836 between the Mexican army and the 189 Texan soldiers barricaded inside, who, after putting up a strenuous resistance that lasted thirteen days, all perished during the siege. Even if the events linked to the Alamo are therefore connected more to the history of the independence of Texas from Mexico than to those of the United States, the episode that occurred in this place and the characters who took part in it are inextricably linked to the collective American imagination.
The cruelty with which the Mexican general Antonio López de Santa Anna conducted the operations of war and the courage of the defenders of the Alamo who never wanted to surrender despite the obvious numerical inferiority and the certainty of death made this place a symbol of sacrifice for the cause of freedom that is still remembered today.
The sacrifice of the defenders of the Alamo was not however in vain, since a few weeks after these events – to the cry of “Remember the Alamo” – the commander of the Texan forces, Sam Houston, spurred on his soldiers in the decisive battle for the fate of independence and conquered victory after only eighteen minutes of battle.
Visiting the Alamo: Hours, Information and Tips
Being originally, as mentioned, a Franciscan mission, the two main buildings are represented by the church and the convent. Inside the church, many military artifacts of the time are preserved and on the facade you can still see the architecture and decorations typical of the Spanish colonial period.
The former mission convent, where the last bloody, hand-to-hand battles took place in 1836, now houses the museum and the permanent exhibition The Alamo: A Story Bigger Than Texas. The sides of the complex are surrounded by a garden designed to be a welcoming and quiet place that can help remember the sacrifice of those who perished in the battle.
You can visit the facility daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The only day it is closed is Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Possible changes in the opening hours are available on the official website Access is free.
Where is the Alamo Located?
The Alamo Mission is located in the heart of the Texan city of San Antonio and can be easily reached by car, given the presence of numerous parking lots nearby, or by public transport.
The Alamo: photo gallery
Video
Here’s what to expect if you visit The Alamo!
