If you visit only one San Antonio attraction, make it the Alamo. The most famous sight in Texas, this mission is now a symbol of the fight for freedom in the battle for independence from Mexico. It's often referred to as the "cradle of Texas liberty," and even today, talk is hushed here, men remove their hats, and photography is prohibited. It stands as a reminder of the Spanish colonization of this area and of the bloody battle that was fought so valiantly.

Although today it is primarily known as the Alamo, the mission began as San Antonio de Valero. The name comes from military occupation. The mission was abandoned in 1793 and the buildings began to fall to ruin. Troops from San Jose y Santiago del Alamo Parras in northern Mexico converted the building to a fort in 1801, and it took the name of that troop. Since that moniker was a real mouthful, the nickname was later shortened to simply "El Alamo." And just what is the English translation of Alamo? "Cottonwood."

The Alamo was originally a large compound. Today all that remains of the mission is the original church and the Long Barrack. When you enter the Alamo, you'll be struck by the quietness of the structure. It retains a chapel-like atmosphere in spite of the hundreds of thousands of visitors who tour the park annually. The Alamo operates under the care of the Daughters of the Alamo, a conservation group that protects the mission and guards it, many say, as fiercely as the Texian troops did a century and a half ago.

Most first-time visitors budget about two hours for a look at the chapel and its displays, the barrack, and the film about the story of the historic battle. Gardens behind the chapel are also well worth a visit.

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