Governor's Palace
300 Palace Green St., Williamsburg, Virginia
One of the largest and grandest buildings in Colonial Williamsburg, the Governor’s Palace was the seat of royal authority in the colony. Between 1710 and 1776, the landmark housed seven royal governors and two elected governors (Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson). After burning down in 1781, it was restored to its former glory in 1934.
Offering a glimpse into the early days of American history, the Governor’s Palace is one of Colonial Williamsburg’s architectural and historical highlights. Formerly used for essential government functions and social occasions, the landmark was the hub around which life in colonial Virginia was occupied. Rebuilt in the 1930s and later renovated, it has been restored to its 18th-century looks.
As a highlight of Colonial Williamsburg, the Governor’s Palace is on numerous sightseeing itineraries, from private walking tours to tours based on the site’s Black history. It can also be seen on self-led tours and scavenger hunts.
While the Governor’s Palace and other Colonial Williamsburg sights are free to admire, you must purchase a ticket to enter the landmark.
The Governor’s Palace is accessible to disabled visitors.
Weather can be unpredictable, and visitors to Colonial Williamsburg are recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring layers.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the grounds of the Governor’s Palace, which include formal gardens and a hedge maze.
The Governor’s Palace is located in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, which can be explored on foot, by bike, or by the complimentary shuttle service. Trains and Greyhound buses, which link Colonial Williamsburg to hubs like Washington DC, stop at the nearby Williamsburg Transportation Center, just a few minutes away on foot.
Colonial Williamsburg is open daily throughout the year, and the Governor’s Palace typically is as well, from morning until early evening. Free tours of the Governor’s Palace are hosted every 15 minutes from when it opens; visitors can explore the site independently during the last hour of every day.
It’s worth setting aside at least one full day to explore all Colonial Williamsburg offers. Other popular landmarks include the Capitol, the Courthouse, and the Randolph Property; the living history museum’s two art museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, are also worth exploring.
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