The house of Walter Mathis, now a property of the National Trust, is a Italian villa–style mansion dating from 1876. Because the National Trust mandated that all the items in the home had to stay in the same place as they were when Mathis died, few of the eclectic assortment of artifacts are in display cases (perhaps that’s why all visitors’ bags must be stored in lockers before entering). A rare and very valuable death mask of Napoleon, for example, sits out in the open. The eccentric Mathis was a great collector of fine and decorative arts, from the quirky to the sublime—everything from cattle-themed cutlery to the works of artist Mary Bonner. The collection is especially strong on French furniture and art objects. You can see the first floor on a self-guided tour; to go upstairs you’ll have to take a guided tour (reservations recommended). The beautifully landscaped 1 1/2-acre grounds are open free to the public.
San Antonio
Travel Guide
San Antonio› Attraction
Villa Finale
401 King William St., San Antonio, TX 78204, USA
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Southtown/King William
Hours
Self-guided tours Tues–Sat 10am–1pm; guided tours Tues–Sat at 1:30pm and 3pm. Grounds open Tues–Sat 9:30am–4pm.
Transportation
Bus: VIVA line 40
Phone 210/223-9800 Prices Self-guided tours $10 adults; $8 seniors, students, and active-duty military with ID. Guided tours $12 adults; $10 seniors, students, and active-duty military. Web site Villa FinaleMap
401 King William St. San Antonio TX 78204 USA San AntonioNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.