Mexico: Beautiful San Miguel de Allende
History of San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is a colonial-era city in central Mexico, located in the state of Guanajuato about 170 miles northwest of Mexico City. Set at an elevation of roughly 6,200 feet (1,900 meters), it sits in the highlands of the Bajío region, surrounded by rolling hills and semi-arid countryside. Its mild climate and walk-able historic center make it one of Mexico’s most beloved destinations. The heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and the iconic pink spires of the Parroquia.
Founded in 1542 as San Miguel el Grande, the town played a significant role in Mexico’s fight for independence. It was home to Ignacio Allende, a key leader in the 1810 uprising against Spanish rule alongside Miguel Hidalgo. In his honor, the city was renamed San Miguel de Allende in 1826. After a period of economic decline in the 19th century, the city experienced a cultural revival in the 20th century when art schools attracted international artists and writers, shaping the creative, cosmopolitan atmosphere it is known for today.
First impressions
You know when you arrive at a location, and you feel an immediate connection to it? That’s how I felt about San Miguel de Allende (SMA). Not withstanding that when I arrived into town, I noticed that the streets were clean and the structures were well kept, a much different experience than arriving in Merida. That, in and of itself, was a bonus.
I arrived at my friends, Betsy & Teri’s, beautiful home and stayed for a week to watch their sweet puppies, Enzo and Opie while they took a trip to see friends in another part of Mexico. It was the “oasis” that I needed to refresh from the previous month.
I met Betsy & Teri while pet sitting at their beautiful home in Shelton, WA. Meeting them was like meeting long-lost friends. I am so grateful that they have made an appearance in my life. They are wonderful, caring and amazing friends….and have adorable puppies!
One of the best things about San Miguel de Allende are the wonderful people that I’ve been fortunate enough to meet.. Betsy & Teri have introduced me to their friends and neighbors, and have invited me to join them to various events, brunches and parties. I’m going to a Valentine’s party tonight that one of their friends is hosting. The best of people! The best of times!
A city on a hill….or two
One of the first things I realized while riding and walking around SMA is there are few flat places in the city. Although it appears that the center of the city is in a flat area, with hills around it, the center is full of hills…with hills around it.
The other thing I realized is that ALL of the streets (except for the main thoroughfare, and highways around the city) are cobblestone, as are a lot of the sidewalks. When I go for a walk, my Oura ring thinks that I’m “hiking” instead of “walking.” I understand that because you have to keep your eyes open and navigate the rocky roads and sidewalks. Not only that, when you are on the narrow sidewalks, you also have to keep your eyes up and open to avoid running into window ledges that project out into the sidewalk. Walking in the lovely city, is not for the faint of heart! You have to be on your toes….literally.
Parroquia San Miguel
The iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel dominates the central plaza of San Miguel de Allende with its dramatic pink neo-Gothic spires. Although the parish church dates back to the 17th century, its current façade was redesigned in the late 1800s by local stonemason Zeferino Gutiérrez, who is said to have drawn inspiration from European postcards. Today, it remains both an active place of worship and the city’s most recognizable architectural landmark.
The beautiful church can be seen from many places around SMA. Sometimes, you just turn the corner, and there it sits in the sunlight. It is stunning!
Street art
San Miguel de Allende has been a mecca for artists and art lovers for decades. The city’s creative reputation really took off after World War II, when American Stirling Dickinson convinced the U.S. government to let veterans use the G.I. Bill to study art in San Miguel at the newly formed Instituto Allende. A lot of them came—and many stayed.
Art is everywhere, not just in just in galleries—it’s in the streets. Some of my favorites are large, detailed works of art—painted by talented artists from Mexico and beyond. Many of them were created as part of a community project that started around 2010. The idea was simple: turn blank walls into a beautiful canvas. These scenes reflecting Mexico’s history, culture, society, and beauty. Some will make you think, while others will simply make you smile…or question what it is you are actually looking at!
Just for fun
San Miguel de Allende is pretty temperate throughout the year, but this February has seen lower temperatures, especially during the evenings.
So, based on my research, I was unprepared for the lower temperatures and had not brought clothes that would I would keep me warm in the morning, where homes do not have central heating, and it takes a bit to warm up.
Earlier this week, I moved into a very nice apartment that I’m thoroughly enjoying, but I either wrap myself in a blanket as soon as I got up and huddled on the couch until the sun comes up and it begins to warm up, OR I purchase something warmer to wear.
Keep in mind, that I don’t want to spend a lot of money on clothes that I won’t be able to take with me when I leave. I found this lovely set of pajamas on sale for $13. I’m pretty sure it was meant for kids, but the price and the fleece were the kicker.
I wouldn’t go out of the house with them on, but they can’t be beat for keeping me warm in the mornings.
The good news is that’s it’s already starting to get warmer. Hopefully I will be able to donate these lovely pajamas to someone who can use them. They most certainly won’t be traveling around the world with me.
But….needs must!
