Mission San Luis

From 1656 to 1704, Mission San Luis served as the principal village of the Apalachees and was the Spaniards’ westernmost military, religious, and administrative capital. At Florida’s Apalachee-Spanish Living History Museum walk the plaza where the Apalachee played their traditional ball games centuries ago. Visit the most important structure in the Apalachee village, the council house, and also stop at the home of the Spanish Deputy Governor. Pay respects at the Franciscan church and at the friary where the clergy lived. Hear the ring of the blacksmith’s hammer at the forge and encounter a soldier on guard at the Castillo de San Luis, the Mission’s fort. Then explore the gallery where 300-year-old artifacts excavated from on site are on display.