Barry and I enjoyed the San Antonia River Walk the last time we were in San Antonio, but we were unaware of the unique light show that is projected onto the beautiful facade of the San Fernando Cathedral in Main Plaza. Recently our friends Brian and Michelle discovered it and shared it. The program is titled “The Saga” and is an artistic visual history of San Antonio. Traveling in Sadie made this stop possible on a travel day.
The pay parking was tight all the way around with Sadie – especially with the bikes on the extended bike rack, but we did it! I wish I had taken a picture after we parked with cars on both sides of us, and across from us. Barry is amazing at directing me into all spots!
San Fernando Cathedral is the oldest, continuously functioning religious community in the State of Texas! San Fernando Cathedral was founded on March 9, 1731 by a group of 16 families who came from the Canary Islands at the invitation of King Phillip V of Spain. This church was planned to be at the center of life in this city. It faces Main Plaza – referred to as the Heart of the City.
Across the street, but facing Main Plaza is the red brick Bexar County Commissioners Courthouse on Plaza de las Islas (Plaza of the Islands). This area once served as home to settlers from the Canary Islands. In 1732 the sixteen original families established the Villa de San Fernando and the first Spanish settlement in this region under the rule of the king of Spain. Bexar County redeveloped the plaza in front of the courthouse during the Main Plaza project in 2008.
Construction for this courthouse began in 1892 and was completed in 1896. It is the seat of the county government and houses the Bexar County Commissioners Court, District and County Courts, and the Bexar County Archives. After four expansions it is the largest courthouse in all of Texas.
LADY JUSTICE FOUNTAIN
The fountain originally was in the east courtyard of the courthouse, but was moved in 1927 to a city park. It got damaged there and then was lost for about 30 years. The Hildago Foundation commission a local artist to restore the fountain and recreate Lady Justice. The Lady Justice Fountain was rededicated in December 2008, serving as a symbol and reminder of judicial justice.
THE FOUNDERS Monument
The set of six statues depicts the four founding communities of San Antonio: American Indians, Franciscan friars, Presidio soldiers, and Canary Islanders. The piece was created by Laredo artist Armando Hinojosa and donated by the Canary Islanders Descendants Association of San Antonio.
We arrived early so that we had plenty of time to park, get to the plaza, and get something to eat from the food trucks that are at the plaza. There was only one, so we got their tacos plate. It came with four tacos. I should have just got one order and we could easily have split it. I ordered the meat variety, but a couple of them were pretty spicy.
The SAGA 9 PM
(The internet listed two show times, but at least tonight, there was only one, so I’m glad we didn’t plan for the later one! I don’t think the two shows begin till June,)
The Saga BEGINS:
The Saga – Video clips #2
The Saga – video clips #3
The Saga – Final clip
This show was really cool. What a great evening!
Then the stress started:
1) Not only was it a tight fit getting out through the gate, but our payment wouldn’t process. We had to call the number on the box for help. All worked out, the service lady was able to process our payment for the parking and lifted the gate! Whew!
2) Unfortunately, our GPS lag caused us to miss a few turns trying to make our way to the highway. This is especially why I don’t like driving in unknown places after dark. Then when we SHOULD have exited the highway it had us go about 3 miles further and get off. Was it taking us to a different Cracker Barrel? There was all kinds of construction, and it was really dark! We weren’t sure where it was taking us, but it was not promising, so we hopped back on the highway as soon as we could and went BACK to where we saw a Cracker Barrel! We made it. and the parking lot was nice and big and EMPTY!! Time for a drink and/or chocolate! LOL
Tomorrow is a short hop to New Braunsfel for 4 nights to relax and get things done. They have pickleball.