Enchanting San Miguel de Allende. Mexico

A Colonial City of Artisania and Culture

A Princess With Her Prince in the Park

Street Scene Near Our B&B

One of Many Carved Doors

The Bellas Artes Building

          You are guaranteed to enjoy this stunning and neat city with its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets (no street lights), and striking light.  The sweet people, classy accommodations, variety of restaurants and lovely parks are absolutely delightful.    One notices many foreign retirees (mostly Yankees) who live here to enjoy the wonderful year round climate (6500 ft altitude), artistic spirit, and beauty of San Miguel.  

 We stayed in a centrally located B&B managed by a mother and chef/son from Valencia, Spain.  The warm family atmosphere and beautifully prepared food kept us enchanted throughout our stay.  Within a few blocks were many other excellent restaurants featuring dishes of diverse ethnic origins.  

    

Who Wants a Basket?

     The heart of the city is its principal plaza called El Jardin located beside El Parroquia, the large church.  You will love hanging out there in one of the delightful eateries and feel the spirit of San Miguel.  

El Parroquia in Central San Miguel
           Photo by Jim Fitch

    You will want to visit the Museo de San Miguel near El Parroquia to learn about the life of San Miguel Allende and his role in Mexico's independence from Spain in 1810 .  We learned that Miguel de Allende played a critical role in initiating the drive for Mexican independence which resulted in his execution by the Spanish.  Upon Mexican independence in 1821, he was recognized as a martyr and the town was renamed San Miguel de Allende.   

     A visit to the Escuela de Bellas Artes is another treasure.  Originally the building was the monastery for the La Concepcion church.  In 1938 it was converted into a fine arts school in 1938 and still offers classes.   David Siquieros, the gifted Mexican muralist, was invited to teach art classes here and left monolithic unfinished mural- totally amazing.   You are left wondering what was Siquieros thinking.  

David Siquieros Unfinished Mural

       San Miguel is filled with dozens of 18th Century temples and chapels of diverse architectural design:  baroque, churrigueresque, and indigenous influence.  

Central San Miguel
                            4 Photos by Jim Fitch

Great Design 

Churrigueresque Design on Church
Very Ornate

    Children as well as adults will adore the Museo del Juguete Popular Mexicano.  The exhibit of Mexican toys showcasing the many regions of Mexico is a must visit.  

Dolls From San Cristobal de las Casas

Notice the Frida Eyebrows!

     What amazed me most was the incredible variety of arts and crafts throughout San Miguel.   I learned that the early Spanish administration founded the town to provide all the basic needs  (home furnishings, church needs, clothing items, etc) for the mine workers living in the nearby towns of Queretero and Guanajuato.  And today, the residents of San Miguel continue making their beautiful creations which travel to all parts of the world.   
     San Miguel is filled with so many art studios, galleries, jewelry and accessories, boutiques......

Painted House Front

Shopping

A Touch of Ethnic Style

Unique Fiber Technique

     With such beautifully woven shawls,  paintings of Mexican village scenes, sculpture, adorable dolls from Veracruz, rich tequila, colorful necklaces and bracelets, dynamo hats........Leaving San Miguel with only a small suitcase was a miracle!

     A Colorful Neighborhood in San Miguel

Good-bye San Miguel de Allende.....would so enjoy spending more time with you and your creative spirit.   Hasta luego!