if you include Guanajuato in a trip through Mexico it is very likely that you will also visit the small town of San Miguel de Allende; Only 75 kilometers separate them, a journey that can be done in an hour and a half.
Like Guanajuato, historic center of San Miguel de Allende is included, along with the nearby sanctuary of Atotonilco, in the list of World Heritage for the Unesco.
Its historic center has a marked viceregal character, but its atmosphere is quite different from the rest of the nearby cities with which it shares this characteristic —Guanajuato, Querétaro, Zacatecas, etc.—and together with which a splendid tourist route.
This is because for decades it has been the favorite of many foreigners, especially Americans, who spend long periods of time there, especially in winter.
First came the artists attracted by the beauty of the architecture and the beautiful light of the area, then the Spanish students, and later many retirees, who have settled permanently.
The presence of this foreign colony has partially modified the atmosphere of the streets that surround the Garden (the main square) completely giving it over to tourism.
But it must also be recognized that many of them long ago exerted significant pressure to preserve the houses and streets, and for all this they are now so well preserved.
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Curiosities history of San Miguel de Allende, World Heritage Site
The city was founded with the name of Saint Michael the Great in the middle of the 16th century, as a stage in the Camino Real that united the CDMX with the northern mining centers of Guanajuato y Zacatecas.
As this road crossed the chichimeca territory that was not controlled by Viceroy San Miguel, received the title of Protective Village.
It lived its time of splendor during the 18th century and then numerous churches and palaces were built with a mix of Spanish, Creole and indigenous influences.
The title of World Heritage It is because it is a good example of the cultural exchange between Europe and America.
He would later play an important role in the fight for independence.
One of the main protagonists of this movement was Ignacio Allende, From San Miguel, and for this reason since 1826 the city has been known as San Miguel de Allende.
During the 19th century it was a very poor and isolated city, which is why it did not evolve and remained frozen in time.
The best things to see and do in San Miguel de Allende in one day
This is one of the reasons why preserves its historic center intact.
Now, conveniently rehabilitated, it is one of the most attractive places to visit anywhere. trip to Mexico.
A walk through these cobblestone streets flanked by old mansions with barred windows, carved wooden portals and patios with fountains is a delight.
It may be a day trip from Guanajuato or, better, a place to spend at least one night, since the choice of hotels and restaurants is very abundant.
Plaza El Jardín in San Miguel de Allende
A good place to start your discovery of the city is the main square, which in this case is known as the garden.
It is a tree-lined square and very conducive to walking or stopping on a bench; There are always street balloon and craft vendors, musicians and ice cream stands.
The first thing that catches your attention the garden is parish tower, completely different from any other in Mexico.
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The church is from the 17th century and is quite conventional, but the tower, of a curious pseudo-gothic style, it's amazing.
It is said to have been conceived by a local craftsman more than a century ago after seeing a postcard of a Belgian church.
Historical Museum of San Miguel de Allende
Next to it is the Historical Museum of San Miguel de Allende, which shows the importance of Ignacio Allende, the favorite son of the city, in the history of the country.
Five years after independence they had already given their surname to the name of the city, which it still retains.
A moment not to be missed is the evening fall in the garden, when the treetops fill with birds looking for a place to sleep, the church tower lights up, and it is very likely that several groups of birds will appear. mariachis to sing their songs to passersby who request them.
You can find a table at one of the nearby venues to have a drink and enjoy the atmosphere.
Palaces of the viceroyalty in San Miguel de Allende
A walk through the nearby streets allows you to discover the architectural treasure of San Miguel de Allende, in which there are many churches and large mansions of the time of viceroyalty.
And other details of history and culture such as finding the Pedro Vargas' birthplace, one of the greatest exponents of the golden age of Mexican song.
Canal Mayorazgo House in San Miguel de Allende
One of the most impressive palaces is the Canal Mayorazgo House, which is known as the Count's House, although its owners never had that title.
It is one of the best examples of New Spain civil architecture in the center of Mexico.
The facade with Corinthian columns, heraldic symbols and the image of The Virgin They give it a majestic appearance.
Churches in San Miguel de Allende
The list of churches is endless, but they all present some detail of interest.
Of San Francisco It was built with the benefits of bullfighting, and that of Our Lady of Health He was part of St. Francis de Sales College, where all the local patriots who fought for independence studied.
El Oratory of San Felipe Neri It was built by indigenous artisans who gave it a different character from other churches.
For visit San Miguel de Allende, you can sign up for one excursion from Mexico City that will allow you to visit this city of the viceroyalty, including a guided tour of its historic center.
You also have the option to sign up for 7-day circuit through the Viceregal Cities, which includes the visit of San Miguel de Allende.
If you are already in the city, here you have extensive information about the best tours and guided visits you can do in San Miguel de Allende.
The decoration, the pink stone and numerous legends about treasures hidden under the altar give it a different touch.
Market and art galleries in San Miguel de Allende
Nearby is the The Necromancer market and in it the most original Mexico already appears, with its food stalls, utensils and herbs cure-all.
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En San Miguel de Allende the abound art Galeries and it is said to have the highest density of these businesses of any Mexican city.
In order to plan your trip, here you have extensive information with the best places to see and visit in Mexico
And craft stores have the largest offering in the entire country.
Maxwell House, In the Canal Street, is one of the largest, but there are many more.
Of course, the hotel offer is very abundant and, in general, the quality of the accommodation is higher than the country's average.
As in many colonial cities, some hotels occupy restored old buildings.
Some maintain their traditional atmosphere while others prefer a more modern decoration.
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