Constructed sometime between 1887 and 1892, this 19,082 square-foot Victorian-style mansion is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Bishop’s Palace was built for Colonel Walter Gresham, the founder of the Colorado and Santa Fe railroads, when he and his wife moved to the island after the Civil War. Made with steel and stone, the sprawling residence is viewed as one of the country’s premier examples of Gilded-Age extravagance and Victorian exuberance. Located in the historic East End of Galveston, Bishop’s Palace (also known as Gresham’s Castle) offers daily self-guided tours to visitors from 10AM to 5PM. On Saturday mornings, you can experience a rare look into parts of the home that are usually off-limits, including Mrs. Gresham’s studio, a third-floor room that reveals panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Tickets are for these Basement to Attic Tours are $35 per person and are limited to 20 total guests.

The Bishop’s Palace is Galveston’s most impressive and well-known structure. It is an ornate delight of colored stone, intricately carved ornaments, rare woods, stained-glass windows, bronze dragons and other sculptures, luxury materials and furnishings, and impressive fireplaces from around the world (including one lined with pure silver!). The Bishop’s Palace is also Galveston’s largest and oldest building.

This Victorian castle was constructed by the prominent attorney Colonel Walter Gresham and designed by Nicholas Clayton, Galveston’s most renowned architect. The American Institute of Architects has recognized this structure as one of the 100 most important buildings in the United States. The house was constructed between the years 1886 and 1892.

It is highly recommended that you pay a visit to the beautiful Bishop’s Palace if you are only able to explore one of Galveston’s many architectural gems. The East End Historic District is home to the historic site known as the Bishop’s Palace, which was built in 1892. It is also known as the Gresham House. Due to the building’s historically significant architecture and design, it has been included in the National Register of Historic Places as having a national level of significance. Architectural historians have acknowledged the Bishop’s Palace as being among the most significant Victorian residences in the United States. You can get an exclusive view inside the most private areas of this historic property by going on a self-guided tour or by taking part in a group Basement to Attic Tour. Both of these options are available.

Built between the years 1886 and 1893 by Col. Walter Gresham, who was both a civic leader and a member of Congress in the United States. Architect work was done by Nicholas J. Clayton. The mansion is a Victorian interpretation of the Renaissance architecture and is widely considered to be one of the most opulent and expansive homes in the United States. The silver and onyx mantel that was found in the music room was awarded first prize in the New Orleans Exposition in the year 1886. Murals and ceilings were painted by Mrs. Gresham. In 1923, the Catholic Diocese purchased the house and converted one of the rooms into a chapel complete with stained glass windows.

The hours of operation for the self-guided tours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Monday. Adult tickets are $14, while youth tickets are $9. (Ages 6-18). Free admission is offered to children younger than 5 years old.