La Villita is a special place in San Antonio! It's a village full of art galleries and shops, built just for artists and craftspeople to share their work. It's like stepping back in time, with buildings that were built over 100 years ago.
La Villita used to be a neighborhood for soldiers stationed at the Alamo. After a flood, the buildings were changed from huts to houses made of brick, stone, and adobe. In 1836, it played a role in the Battle of the Alamo. Later, people from Germany and France moved in and shaped the village we see today.
In the early 1900s, La Villita wasn't doing so well. But in 1939, Mayor Maury Maverick decided to save it and turn it into what it is today: a thriving art community! It's even on the National Registry of Historic Places, which means it's a really important part of our history.
La Villita Historic Arts Village is managed by the Center City Development for the City of San Antonio. You can find info, calendars, and forms at lavillitasanantonio.com.