San Antonio, Texas

The Alamo

Founded as Mission San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo became famous as the site of an 1836 battle in the Texas Revolution. It is a National Historic Landmark and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Official visitor website

All landmarks

Photo: Daniel Schwen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The story

Arts, Architecture & Regional Culture
Military History & Remembrance

Why it matters

Founded as Mission San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo became famous as the site of an 1836 battle in the Texas Revolution. It is a National Historic Landmark and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Why it may matter to you

"Remember the Alamo" is part of Texas identity. The site also shows how Texas was once part of Spain and then Mexico.

The fuller story

How the battle is remembered is debated: the defenders included Tejanos as well as Anglo settlers, and the Texas Revolution was connected to disputes over slavery, which Mexico had abolished. Historians continue to reexamine the story.

Plan your visit

Hours, prices, reservations, and closures change. Check the official visitor website.

Time to allow: 1–2 hours (our estimate)
Setting: Indoor and outdoor
Tickets and reservations: Entry to the church may use reserved, timed tickets; tours are separate. Check the official visitor website.
Getting there: Downtown San Antonio, near the River Walk; walkable from many hotels.
With family: Quiet behavior is expected inside the church.
Seasons and weather: Hot summers.
Accessibility: See the operator's website for accessibility information.

Times are estimates and distances are straight-line. Citizen Navigator is an independent educational resource. Visitor access and conditions change. Confirm current details with the destination's official operator.