Two years ago, in July 2008, San Miguel de Allende, along with the Sanctuary of Atotonilco (8 km away), was named World Heritage by UNESCO.
San Miguel de Allende is famous for its history, its charm, its temperate climate, its color, the place where it is located and, above all, because it has become a most interesting destination for visitors, not only for its architecture and uniqueness, also for its cultural offer. Let us not forget that in the fifties it was the epicenter of writers and artists, and a magnet for thousands of foreigners from all over the world, who found their place of residence here.Two years ago, in July 2008, San Miguel de Allende, along with the Sanctuary of Atotonilco (8 km away), was named World Heritage by UNESCO.
San Miguel de Allende is famous for its history, its charm, its temperate climate, its color, the place where it is located and, above all, because it has become a most interesting destination for visitors, not only for its architecture and uniqueness, also for its cultural offer. Let us not forget that in the fifties it was the epicenter of writers and artists, and a magnet for thousands of foreigners from all over the world, who found their place of residence here.
World Heritage
The colonial atmosphere, preserved in a surprising way, is due to the fact that in 1982 the center was declared a Zone of Historical Monuments, which contributed to the restoration of the buildings and the preservation of its particular atmosphere, both warm and historical. as artistic.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Dress and weather
San Miguel de Allende must be explored on foot, so it is recommended to wear appropriate footwear to explore its stone streets and be able to observe it calmly and in detail. It has a variable climate of cool mornings, sunny afternoons and relatively colder nights; so it is advisable to carry a sweater or light coat.
The rainy season lasts from June to mid-October
Some sites
In the Chorro neighborhood we find interesting buildings and colonial gardens. San Miguel was refounded there in the 16th century, when the small town was burned down by Copuces Indians.
In addition, you should visit the Public Library and the Parish of San Miguel Arcángel, famous because in the 18th century it was expanded to resemble the Gothic churches of Europe. Nearby is the house of Ignacio Allende, hero of Independence. A stone house from the 17th century from which the first independence advance party set out.
Also worth visiting are the Main Garden, the Ignacio Ramírez “El Nicromante” Cultural Center, the Allende Institute, the Temple of San Francisco, the Oratory of San Felipe Neri and the Church of Health.
In the Andador Lucas Balderas, which is open every day, they sell all kinds of crafts in the stalls located there and in the Crafts Market next to it.
History
San Miguel de Allende, in the state of Guanajuato, is located in a relatively flat area surrounded by mountains about 3 thousand meters above sea level.
It was founded in 1542 by the friar Juan de San Miguel. At that time it was supplied by a nearby spring called Izquinapan, which means “River of Dogs” and which today is known as Manantial del Chorro.
In 1555, already refounded after the fire, it was given the name of Villa de San Miguel el Grande. It was until 1826, in honor of the hero of independence, that it was given its current name; since the city was the star scene of the independence events of 1810.
In that year, after the Querétaro conspiracy against the government was discovered, Ignacio Pérez went to San Miguel to alert the members of the movement who were there. From there he leaves with Juan Aldama to notify Priest Hidalgo and Ignacio Allende in Dolores.
After Hidalgo gave his famous Cry of Independence, the insurgent forces quartered themselves in San Miguel el Grande, and that is why it is known as “Forge of Mexican Independence”, since as Hidalgo’s main lieutenant, Allende led numerous victories .
