I have to say , y'all got it going on in San Antonio . We walked all over this area for 6 days .... Saw everything . I'll tell you what, being a tourist in your city I felt very safe and welcome . People are friendly . They stop and speak to you . I like the police presence. I like the ambassadors. The ambassadors are people with name tags on that are out on the street they stop you say hello and ask if you need directions or anything .. the city is pretty clean . The general area is clean and pressure washed early in the morning . You don't see trash and cigarette butts everywhere . All cities should take notes . Good job San Antonio ! read more

Great place to have San Fernando Fiesta at Main Plaza. I have fun & a great time there. have bean & cheese gordita & I was so delicious. I bought a new Guayabera shirt at a great price. read more

Main Plaza - San Fernando Fiesta. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Walk through during the day time and pay homage to the ashes of the Alamo fighters, admire the cathedral and come back for the lightshow. Lot's of chairs scattered around the plaza to sit and reflect or just take a break from walking. read more

So beautiful place! Especially at the evening of Christmas. A lot of lights and European bliss. It felt like I teleported to old fashion Europe square, I even could smell some good food (not burgers and French fries!) there. Nice place to walk and just sit and look around. read more

Main Plaza - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Absolutely beautiful!!! What a great thing to attend in San Antonio. It's free!!! I am soooo glad we went to see it!!! read more

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Great place to spend time with family and friends. You can visit the church during the day, and enjoy the events at the plaza at night! read more

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SAN ANTONIO | THE SAGA AMAZING, AWESOME, WOW!! This is a must see multimedia assault on the senses for both residents and tourists alike. French artist Xavier de Richemont transforms the facade of the San Fernando Cathedral into an artistic multimedia explosion of the history of San Antonio with vivid imagery and awesome music. The 24 minute presentation cost $1M to produce and in my mind worth every penny spent. You can experience the show at 9, 9:30 and 10 p.m. Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The show will be there for at least 10 years. Time to see it many times. Main Plaza rocks! Established in the early 1700's and honored as on of the 10 Best Public Spaces in the US this plaza is a San Antonio treasure. With features like huge trees, bubbling fountains and tables how can you go wrong? Then toss is a weekly Farmer's Market, San Fernando Cathedral and live music and you have a superstar! Just because something is old does not mean that it is no longer relevant! read more

Main Plaza - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

The San Antonio saga laser show is awesome!! For tourists and locals alike. The folks in the know bring folding chairs and secure the prime spots for viewing. But even standing is not bad. The show is about 20-25 minutes long. It starts with a loud clap of thunder, then proceeds to depict scenes of San Antonio's birth and evolution. So well done. The lights match up to the architecture of the cathedral just about perfect. How do they do that? My only concern is that while the civil war was depicted with pictures of Grant and Lee and that beautiful southern music that usually accompanies things civil war played (used in the Ken Burns documentary), I did not see a Confederate flag. It too, is part of our history and should not be erased. All in all though, a fabulous presentation. read more

Main Plaza - Frederick Douglas - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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This place is so very beautiful and magical! There is so much history behind this place. This is also 1 minute away from the Riverwalk walking distance! I highly recommend you see this! This is also where the Alamo hero fighters where buried. There is so much beauty around this area you must see! read more

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FREE!!!!! And absolutely amazing experience!!!! It's a must!!! Kids were fascinated, we were intrigued, & great tribute to Texas heritage. Love this event! Beautiful park to sit and watch the show!! Some say bring chairs but if your a tourist just come early event started at 9pm we were out there by 7:30ish we enjoyed the LIME ICE at the canteen. It's not overly sweet and perfect for San Antonio heat! read more

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tl;dr - worth your time, and as good as it gets. Since I'm downtown most days, I like the convenience of the plaza to gather my thoughts, grab a bite to eat from the food trucks (when they are scheduled) and people watch. I'd never have been able to take advantage of this downtown oasis without Mayor Hardberger's vision and determination to make this space (TBH, I hated the idea when it was first proposed). There is one thing that you do *not* want to miss: the "San Antonio: The Saga" multimedia-laser show. With the San Fernando Cathedral as the canvas onto which the laser production is presented, it tells the story of San Antonio from prehistory to present. You can catch a ~15 minute show at 9, 9:30 and 10pm on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for the next decade. Pack a foldable chair and be blown away by the production. [full disclosure, the first time i saw the presentation, i got weepy. it's that good] This is a great place enjoy your brown bag lunch, a sandwich from the Subway across the street, some BBQ or fried chicken from Bill Miller's (also across the street) or a slice or two of some pretty good NY-style pizza slices from Willy B's (formerly Central Park Pizza) adjacent to the beautiful courthouse. Of course, when the food trucks are on the plaza, don't miss them. If you like Bite Street Bistro, YAO, Cheesy Jane's or Los Picudos de la Calle, you won't be disappointed. Big tip: there's a B-Cycle station between the cathedral and Municipal Plaza (the old Frost Bank building) for easy access. read more

June 7, 2022 Update of any review try one thousand one hundred fifty nine. I see my first of this place has thirty eight total votes. PLAZA DE LAS ISLAS, The Main Plaza. There are little dancing water fountains. One can play and get wet in these fountains. Me, I wear one piece bathing suit, all I need do take off pants, socks, and shoes. I usually keep on the shirt. Every so often there are bands that perform here. There is a church very close to here. My thoughts and my prayers to the "FRIENDS" of town Uvalde, Texas. Not know entire details. What I understand, a bad guy barricaded himself in a particular classroom of an Elementary School. Elementary School is kindergarten to sixth grade, Junior High School is seventh grade to ninth grade, High School is tenth grade to twelfth grade. Two days ago at a church I visiting, they read the names of the twenty one victims. When I asked the Reverend what happened the Reverend says a gunman barricaded himself in a classroom, shot all twenty one in that classroom. Nineteen students and two teachers. The two teachers I thinking one is the Teacher and one is the Teacher Assistant. Gunman, as say, to me the Gunman is the bad guy. Yes many were crying even I was crying even if I not fully aware of the situation. People given five minutes to six minutes to show tribute. I bowed the three times in the memory. There been way too many (Name Of City) Be Strong. Now it is UVALDE BE STRONG. There is category City Of Uvalde for Uvalde, Texas. Five reviews, one at Five Star and four at One Star. Three of the four are just bad mouthing the police. How sad. Okay so I again say BE STRONG UVALDE. Please town of Uvalde. Please know my prayers are with you, my thoughts are with you, UVALDE BE STRONG. read more

Come by at night to see The Saga (http://www.mainplaza.org/san-antoniothe-saga/). That's why the 5 stars. We were wandering around and with blind luck stumbled upon The Saga. That alone made the visit worthwhile. Check out the pictures at the URL provided. From the URL: "We love the Alamo, but we have a new favorite stop on our tourist to-dos--actually, for everyone's to-dos. See the San Fernando Cathedral like never before during this 24-minute show by French artist Xavier De Richemont, in which lights projected onto the cathedral tell the story of San Antonio from its beginning to today. Crowds have gathered four nights a week since its debut in June for a one-of-a-kind experience. Show times are 9, 9:30 and 10 p.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 115 N. Main Ave., 210-225-9800, mainplaza.org" PS. There was a food-truck parked nearby, as well as food and beverage stand. A few tables and chairs are also available, but I wouldn't count on them unless you get there early. read more

Of course, I *finally* make it down to Main Plaza in order to see the artsy lightshow history lesson "San Antonio - The SAGA" blazing across the front of San Fernando Cathedral, annnnd ... One of the projectors is out. Just my luck, lol. But, it matters not - even 2/3 of the SAGA is one of the most visually stunning things I've ever seen. .. Absolutely gorgeous! To make things even better, it's a free thang (woot!)(we did pay $7 to park around the block, but even that cost can be avoided if you take advantage of Downtown Tuesday free parking). SAGA plays three times each Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening (schedule and more background info at mainplaza.org ), and there are usually a couple food trucks on hand. Bring folding chairs (blankets just won't cut it, as you'll be sitting on cobbles) and have a street food dinner with the most epic scenery ever Downtown. .. Not just for tourists anymore. read more

Main Plaza - SAGA - Stunning, even with a projector out. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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I have to be honest, when the renovation of Main Plaza was taking place, I was its harshest critic. "They are taking out trees?!" "What the heck is with those fountains?!" "It looks like a freakin desert!" And for all my complaints it took quite a while for the new Main Plaza to grow on me. Walking by it five times a week to get my morning sweet tea made me appreciate the work done on the park. While I still don't get the fountains you have to walk around, when they are up and running it's a pretty sight. Moving the trees made it easier to have events in Main Plaza. And we kinda do live in a desert most months outta the year.. I'm also a huge fan of the Farmer's Market that sets up once a week and during the summer there is almost always some kinda event taking place. Main Plaza, to me, has begrudgingly come one of the best things about working downtown. read more

To me, Main Plaza is one of the most special places in San Antonio. Nicknamed the "Heart of The City", this place is the center of downtown and is a must-see for tourists and locals alike. It's a fantastic lunch spot if you work downtown and brown bag it. The recent renovations have made this a lovely and shady place to spend an afternoon. If you happen to be in from out of town, know you'll almost always find a band playing and are fairly likely to catch an art show or festival at some point during the week. I think we should be proud to have a site like Main Plaza in our city. It lives up to its nickname and is great place for us to come together and celebrate the rich culture we're so lucky to enjoy. read more

Main Plaza - Main Plaza's logo - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Beautiful place to visit on a sunny spring day. They have just remodeled it in the last couple of years and I must say I like it. Plenty of food choices within walking distance, and there is usually always someone playing music in the plaza. They also have a farmer's market several days a week around noonish. read more

This plaza is definitely the definition of Spanish influence in the USA. I'm surprised that this plaza really reminds me of other public plazas in Spain in Latin America. The only two complaints I have with this plaza is that there's a street that runs right through the middle of it, separating the Bexar County Courthouse from the rest of the plaza. I suppose that if an underpass was constructed to go under the plaza (like they have in Europe), it would reduce less noise for the plaza and Cathedral. Another way to solve the problem is to make the street pavement match with the plaza and make the whole street free for pedestrians to cross and reduce the speed limit of automobiles in the plaza area, similar to present day Alamo Plaza. Another complaint is that the restrooms were very dirty compared to other restrooms in the Downtown area. With all my opinions about the plaza itself aside, I have to say that San Antonio: The Saga, a nighttime video screening on the facade of the San Fernando Cathedral, is beyond beautiful. It goes beyond Disney standards of video art projections. It tells an actual real-life story of our city in the most beautiful possible, through visuals, music, and art. Thank you Main Plaza Conservancy and City of San Antonio for bringing this video art installation to our city! I hope it keeps running for an extra ten years! read more

Supposedly the present-day plaza is the result of a major renovation to this central outdoor space which serves as the "front room" to the historic San Fernando Cathedral. I was told by several knowledgeable architects that the project suffered major construction delays. You would think that this means everything was finally done correctly, and that Main Plaza turned out to be a spectacular success. Sadly, I must report that the experience of this place is at best a mixed bag. One problem is the paving stones. San Antonio designers seem to love rough-cut stones. The surfaces of these are uneven and the intervening pieces easily present a problem for an older person -- someone who must avoid falling onto a hard floor and breaking a hip. I have seen several people in wheel chairs trying to get across the plaza and have to say that their efforts looked torturous. Was anyone on the design team thinking of them? Aside from these safety and universal access issues, is it really appropriate to have something that looks like it was crafted hundreds of years ago? A sensible scheme would have maintained visual unity throughout the square, while incorporating the latest in affordable materials and installation efficiency. For comparison one could look at major historic landmarks in Boston, Philadelphia and San Francisco. They seem to know how to integrate clean and crisp detailing in walking areas that still defer to old buildings. Another problem: the fountains that do not work. The website description of these by the architects of the plaza's update says the following: "At the heart of the Plaza, a ground-line fountain animates the space visually and helps mask traffic noise." Well, great intention. But in the past two years I have walked through this Plaza MANY times and I have NEVER seen the fountains operating. And there are signs telling people to stay off the set-in-pavement fountains! UPDATE: There has been corrective action taken on this matter. Were these fountains improperly designed or poorly installed? Most of us have seen comparable fountains, such as the ones in Dallas' Fountain Plaza. That, of course, is a project that had a lot more money thrown at it (and it was designed by noted landscape architect Dan Kiley). Still, you'd expect that "little old San Antonio" could be hipper. It is really irritating to see these failures. These mistakes leave critics asking "Why should we make efforts to deliver urban amenities to the public?" One last point: the older Main Plaza (before the "improvements") had many more shade trees that really made it an oasis, especially in the summer heat that San Antonians suffer for at least 4 months every year. (In its earlier form, a large central fountain really did a nice job providing a cooling focus.) Is it true that the architects were told by the Cathedral people to eliminate however many trees it required so that the church would have greater visibility? Or is this an urban legend? Whatever the truth, this is the story that many people tell. read more

Beautiful projections on the cathedral at night and live music and drinks at the shack. Love the fountains and the culture.

I was staying at a hotel nearby and decided to walk to the Main Plaza at night to check out the light show. It was incredible! It only lasted about 20 minutes. I learned a little about the history of Texas, the music was pleasant and the light show was stunning! read more

The weekend we were in town so much was going on, and we were walking and stumbled across this beautiful large open main plaza, which made me a bit home sick for Switzerland. The plaza is not just a slab of cement or cobblestone in the middle of historic and tall business buildings, they have incorporated fountains and gardens to create a park like setting. When we were there a festival was going on and a stage was up in front of the cathedral and a mariachi band was playing and people were dancing, kids played in the fountains, others were relaxing, and just being. A great community spot, if I lived nearby I could definitely see myself catching some afternoon sunshine with a book on one of the benches. There were also some cafes on either end of the square that you could purchase food and beverages from. read more

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We really do have a pretty cool Main Plaza. Especially since the city remodeled the plaza , it really has become a gem of downtown. I was skeptical at first when they started tearing up our previous Main Plaza to make way for progress and a newly redesigned zocalo. But now that it's complete, I think it's great! There are public restrooms on the East side of the plaza, which are generally clean, if not a bit graffittied at times. But they generally get cleaned up pretty quickly. On certain monrnings, they offer a farmers' market, with live music. They often have events for free right in the plaza. I saw one of the most mindblowing concerts I've ever seen there once: It was Steve Jordan vs Flaco Jiminez in an accordion throwdown. It was amazing. San Fernando Cathedreal is on the West side of the plaza, which is beautiful and historic. The chiming of the bells really sets the mood for the plaza. Love the fact that the courthouse is on the South side. It is another really cool old building. It's worth a stroll through. read more

This review is for The Saga. It is imperative to visit if you're in San Antonio!! The imagery projected on the 7,000 sq. ft. on the exterior of The San Fernando Cathedral is absolutely beautiful! Along with the dramatic music, sound of storms and colorful art, the Saga is the story of the Indian settlement of the area to the coming of the Spanish to the development of a modern big city (300 years of history). It's 24 minutes long and is shown various nights of the week! Amazing!! read more

Main Plaza - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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This beautiful plaza with its mix of modern & old, reminds me so much of the plazas found in central Mexico. Complete with a historic operating Catholic Church and eateries nearby, this is such a special stop. What I find most enjoyable about the plaza is the variety of things you can do there. I have a attended live outdoor music concerts, stood part in a protest, watched weddings take place in front of the burnt red city building & partied during fiesta- all in Main Plaza. I have dear memories of dancing with my daughter as the music played & the city birds watched. There are some great eateries nearby; Central Park pizza, poblano's & even a bill millers. There's also a ice cream shop & you can find coffee at a outdoor stand. Once you've taken in the church, the activities & the food go for a stroll on the river with an access right from the plaza. Take your cameras and allow for chill time, this is great place to make memories & enjoy Alamo city. read more

Located on the west side of the River Walk, with Cafe's, street trucks, public art displays, with a main historical cathedral housing the bones of 3 Texan Heroes! I found this place while trying to stock up the hotel via a local Bodega across the street from this plaza. Walk across to check out a nice street café and had plenty of street trucks selling food right on the sidewalk of this plaza. Drive by during the evening to see a fantastic laser show across the face of the cathedral. read more

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Wow. There is a cathedral in this plaza... and it is beautiful... inside and out. What's more amazing is the Saga light show they have playing against the cathedral. Catch a 15-20 min show at 9, 9:30, and 10pm on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Pack a foldable chair, because the show gets pretty packed and seats get filled up pretty fast. read more

Came here twice to take family to visit San Fernando Cathedral and San Antonio the Saga filming. I left very impressed my mind was completely blown. As I was on my way home we left thinking how could they have displayed this awesome film on the cathedral walls?! You don't even have to be a tourist to see this movie, even locals come here to watch it. I leave wanting to see it again. The one thing I want to say is get here early as it does get crowded to see it. I wish they could add more tables and chairs at Main Plaza. It is not enough to accommodate the large amounts of people coming over here. read more

This review is for The Saga light show, and it is probably closer to 4.5 stars to me.  The Saga was very impressive, and a unique way to tell the story of San Antonio through beautiful designs flowing over a beautiful building.  For the best views, show up a little early; alternatively, stay for the following performance and re-settle yourself as people leave from the previous performance. (Yes, those are basically the same thing.  So showing up early is key!)  I'd watch it again. read more

The Sunnyslope Fbla Chapter loves City Hunt! Because of City Hunt the Sunnyslope FBLA Chapter formed memories that would last a lifetime! Thank you City Hunt! read more

Great light show on the Cathedral at the Plaza. We almost didn't go, but did and am so glad, because it was amazing and free! It's right off the Riverwalk. Don't miss! read more

The Saga I wasn't sure what to expect from this little event but I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the combination of light show and music. I visited the Cathedral earlier in the day so that visit made The Sage experience a little more interesting for me. The light show is a great representation of the diversity of San Antonio and something that the city should always be proud of - it was a awesome and I totally recommend it! read more

Ride your bike and enjoy a piece of downtown San Antonio.

Main plaza can be where it's at at times! If I worked downtown I'd venture here every now and then just to be outside and enjoy all that main plaza has to offer. Main plaza is a great place to host events for the city. I've been here numerous times to watch a movie on a screen they set up put on by SATX pedal Power called Cycle In Cinema. I would love to see a flash mob put on at main plaza... maybe someone can run with that idea. Surrounded by the beautiful cathedral and other buildings main plaza truly is a gem downtown. read more

Main Plaza is the heart of the city! The main plaza farmers' Market takes place every Tuesday from 10-1pm and is a highlight of local fresh goods in an area where access to fresh and local goods is not common. We have the pleasure of enjoying some wonderful finds, great music, and one can't forget to mention the amazing food prepared by Catalyst Catering. These Chefs know how to throw down and a full course meal for only $6 is hard to find downtown....but not here. So everyone should come to Main Plaza and enjoy one of the top ten great public spaces of America named by the American Planning Association. I'll be there every Tues for the farmers' market. See you there! read more