The most famous spot in Texas, Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo) was established in 1718. The chapel and long barrack are all that remain of the original fort. The museum contains relics and mementos from the Republic of Texas and offers stories on the fall of the Alamo. Open 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Mon.–Sat. and 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Sun. Closed Dec. 24–25; restricted hours March 6. Alamo Plaza . 210/225-1391 . www.thealamo.org . Alamo Cenotaph — Dominating the plaza in front of the Alamo , the monument was designed by Pompeo Coppini, an eminent Italian-born sculptor who adopted Texas as his home. Names of those who died at the Alamo are inscribed in marble.