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TOURIST ATTRACTIONS



Perhaps the best way to enjoy San Miguel is walking its cobbled streets filled with colonial houses and fascinating churches. Some of the sights you can find in your walk are:


 
MAIN GARDEN

This central square is undoubtedly the heart of the city. On the South side you can watch the outline of San Miguel Parish ...



MAIN GARDEN

This central square is undoubtedly the heart of the city. On the South side you can watch the outline of San Miguel Parish, to the east and to the west are the arches of the portals and colonial buildings, and on the north side you will find the old Municipal Palace. But it is the garden itself that attracts visitors to sit and chat on the wrought-iron benches under the shade of the laurels, while they listen to musicians who play in the surroundings, or watch one of the many enjoyable parades.
 
IGNACIO ALLENDE’S HOUSE-MUSEUM

This baroque two-story building dates back to the 18th century and, with its complex work in stone and wrought iron ...



IGNACIO ALLENDE’S HOUSE-MUSEUM

This baroque two-story building dates back to the 18th century and, with its complex work in stone and wrought iron, it is a magnificent example of the houses built by the rich Spanish nobility in colonial Mexico. It is the birthplace of Generalissimo Don Ignacio Allende and functions as a museum, with exhibitions about the role played by General Allende in the War of Independence, as well as the history and archaeology of the region.
 
SAN MIGUEL ARCÁNGEL PARISH

The original parish, built in the late XVII century, was Baroque in style, consisting of two towers...



SAN MIGUEL ARCÁNGEL PARISH

Virtual Tour

The original parish, built in the late XVII century, was Baroque in style, consisting of two towers. This changed dramatically in 1880, when the master mason Mr. Zeferino Gutiérrez Muñoz, a self-taught architect, was commissioned to create a new facade. It is said that Mr. Zeferino Gutiérrez was inspired by drawings, engravings and postcards of European cathedrals. The resulting neo-Gothic fantasy has made the parish of San Miguel one of the most photographed churches in Mexico and its towers can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.
 
OLD MUNICIPAL PALACE

The historic Municipal Presidency was originally built in 1736, but little of the original structure remains...



OLD MUNICIPAL PALACE

The historic Municipal Presidency was originally built in 1736, but little of the original structure remains, since it was partially destroyed several times. However, it is still very important because here the first City Council of Independent Mexico was established on September 17, 1810 by Miguel Hidalgo and General Ignacio Allende. It would be headed by Ignacio Aldama.
 
DE LA CANAL HOUSE

This neoclassical mansion was called home by the rich and influential De la Canal family...



DE LA CANAL HOUSE

This neoclassical mansion was called home by the rich and influential De la Canal family. Its huge carved door (located on De Canal Street) is proof not only of the ability of colonial cabinetmakers but also of the status that this family was considered to have. Here you will appreciate an exhibition on colonial art curated by Casa de Cultura Banamex.
 
INMACULADA CONCEPCIÓN CHURCH

This church, locally known as "Las Monjas” (The Nuns)...



INMACULADA CONCEPCIÓN CHURCH

This church, locally known as "Las Monjas” (The Nuns), was originally built as part of an extensive housing complex and is currently a convent for the nuns of the catholic Order of the Immaculate Conception. The church was built between 1755 and 1842, and the elegant dome was added by Mr. Zeferino Gutiérrez Muñoz in 1891. He based his construction on an European historical site: the church of Los Invalides in Paris.
 
CULTURAL CENTRE IGNACIO RAMÍREZ “EL NIGROMANTE”

This facility was originally the cloister of the neighboring convent but today it is part of the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBA)...



CULTURAL CENTRE IGNACIO RAMÍREZ “EL NIGROMANTE”

This facility was originally the cloister of the neighboring convent but today it is part of the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBA) and is known in San Miguel simply as "Bellas Artes" (Fine Arts). The center offers courses in painting, drawing, sculpture, music and dance. It is famous for its unfinished mural paintings by the famous Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros, former teacher of the institution. The complex houses an exhibition hall and an auditorium.
 
ÁNGELA PERALTA THEATRE

Originally designed as an opera theater, it was inaugurated in 1873 with a presentation by the most famous Mexican soprano...



ÁNGELA PERALTA THEATRE

Originally designed as an opera theater, it was inaugurated in 1873 with a presentation by the most famous Mexican soprano of its time: Ángela Peralta, better known as "The Mexican Nightingale". Today, after 130 years, it is an elegant meeting point for national and international artists that perform at varied events such as Jazz and Chamber Music Festivals.
 
PUBLIC LIBRARY

This is the second library in Mexico by its amount of books in English. It is dedicated to enhance the life of San Miguel’s students.....



PUBLIC LIBRARY

This is the second library in Mexico by its amount of books in English. It is dedicated to enhance the life of San Miguel’s students. The labyrinth-like building contains a quiet inner courtyard, a beautifully decorated reading room, a theatre and a computer center that offers classes and internet services.
 
CIVIC SQUARE

Originally built in 1555 neighboring Soledad Square, this square (not Main Garden) was the real center of activity for San Miguel...



CIVIC SQUARE

Originally built in 1555 neighboring Soledad Square, this square (not Main Garden) was the real center of activity for San Miguel people in ancient times. Today, the equestrian statue of General Ignacio Allende dominates the plaza. The large building located in the northeast corner of the square was once the College of Saint Francis of Sales, which was attended by the Independence War heroes Aldama, Umarán and Allende himself.
 
CRAFTS MARKET

This market occupies a three-block long pedestrian alley filled with stores that sell folk art and local craftsmanship...



CRAFTS MARKET

This market occupies a three-block long pedestrian alley filled with stores that sell folk art and local craftsmanship, silver jewelry, decoration items, souvenirs and typical manufactured objects from all over Mexico.
 
NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA SALUD CHURCH

This church was built in the XVIII century and served as a chapel for the neighboring College of Saint Francis of Sales...



NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA SALUD CHURCH /span>

This church was built in the XVIII century and served as a chapel for the neighboring College of Saint Francis of Sales. The facade is churrigueresco and the portico is crowned by a gigantic carved shell, previously embellished by a single eye within a triangle on its center —an ancient symbol for the omnipresence of God.
 
ORATORIO DE SAN FELIPE NERI CHURCH

The construction of the Oratory began in 1712 after the order “appropriated” an old chapel that belonged to the mulatto population of San Miguel...



ORATORIO DE SAN FELIPE NERI CHURCH

Virtual Tour

The construction of the Oratory began in 1712 after the order “appropriated” an old chapel that belonged to the mulatto population of San Miguel. The original chapel is the eastern part of the current Oratory, and the more modern pink stone Baroque facade faces south. In this church there is also a small chapel that the De la Canal family dedicated to the Virgin of Loreto in 1735. It has a replica of the Holy House in Loreto, Italy. It is notable for its fantastically ornate decoration, with golden walls and altars.
 
SAN FRANCISCO CHURCH

Its construction began in 1778 and took more than 20 years to complete...



SAN FRANCISCO CHURCH

Its construction began in 1778 and took more than 20 years to complete. You can observe changes in architectural styles according to the fashion of the period. The facade is pure Churrigueresco —a baroque style of carved stone figures and sharp columns. However, the bell tower, built in 1799 by renowned architect Francisco Eduardo Tresguerras, is of neoclassical style.
 
EL CHORRO PARK

Built around one of the most tortuous and oldest streets of San Miguel...



EL CHORRO PARK

Built around one of the most tortuous and oldest streets of San Miguel, the stairs of this quiet park rise to an ancient natural water spring, XVIII century baths, a primitive chapel and the current temple. According to legend, this chapel offered the first Christian ceremony in San Miguel.
 
BENITO JUÁREZ PARK

A park and garden founded in the early twentieth century, it presents a French style design with fountains, ponds...



BENITO JUÁREZ PARK

A park and garden founded in the early twentieth century, it presents a French style design with fountains, ponds, wrought iron benches, old bridges and wide roads and trails. Currently, it is a recreational space with playgrounds and basketball courts. Benito Juárez Park is full of plants and trees of the region such as chirimoyos, blackberries and walnuts.
 
INSTITUTO ALLENDE (ALLENDE INSTITUTE)

The De la Canal family built this huge complex in the XVII century as a place of retirement and hacienda...



INSTITUTO ALLENDE (ALLENDE INSTITUTE)

The De la Canal family built this huge complex in the XVII century as a place of retirement and hacienda. This old manor house is full of interesting courtyards, a private chapel in which you can see some colonial frescoes, and a modern art gallery and restaurant. In 1951 it became an art institute offering courses and classes that range from silverware to ceramics and the Spanish language. It attracts annually hundreds of students of different nationalities.
 
CAÑADA DE LA VIRGEN

One would think the site was occupied by Náhuatl groups in pre-Hispanic times because of the constructions in place...



CAÑADA DE LA VIRGEN

One would think the site was occupied by Náhuatl groups in pre-Hispanic times because of the constructions in place, but thanks to archaeological data we have concluded that the Otomi people were the inhabitants of the Cañada de la Virgen zone. The area is conformed by 5 architectonic groups of which 3 are in visiting condition. “The House of the Thirteen Skies” or “Complex A” is a 16 meters high pyramid with a sunken patio and three platforms. “The House of the Longest Night” or “Complex B” is composed of several structures such as the pyramidal basement, one more sunken patio and a series of platforms that indicate mixed functionality of the architectural spaces. The so-called “House of the Wind” or “Complex D” is a circular structure that presents three constructive stages.
 
EL CHARCO DEL INGENIO

Located on the outskirts of San Miguel, El Charco del Ingenio is a private funded ecological reserve and botanical garden...



EL CHARCO DEL INGENIO

Located on the outskirts of San Miguel, El Charco del Ingenio is a private funded ecological reserve and botanical garden dedicated to the restoration and conservation of Mexican flora and encouragement of endangered species’ reproduction. The large terrain houses a cacti conservatory, the remains of a mill and the manor house of an hacienda. It is home to native and migratory birds. All the land is linked by paths ideal for walking that allow to climb the walls of the canyon, which offers excellent opportunities for bird watching.
 
LA AURORA FACTORY

After being an important piece of the regional textile industry, the walls of La Aurora Factory are now used to house galleries...



LA AURORA FACTORY

After being an important piece of the regional textile industry, the walls of La Aurora Factory are now used to house galleries, art studios, jewelry and design stores. In this art and design center you can watch the work of many artists: there are about 50 galleries, as well as antique shops, a couple of restaurants and cafes. In this large complex you still will be able to see some of the big machines and pipes that formed part of the textile factory. It has a parking lot, but if you decide to walk from the Main Garden, it will only take you 15 minutes.







LOCALIZACIÓN




San Miguel de Allende Tourism Office
Plaza Principal #8 Centro, CP 37700




©2023 Visit San Miguel de Allende




Tourism Office

Phone: +52 (415) 154 7175
Monday to Friday 09:00 a 19:00 hrs.
Sunday 10:00 a 17:00 hrs.


E-Mail: informacionturistica@sanmigueldeallende.gob.mx




Administrative Office

Phone: +52 (415) 152 0900
Monday to Friday 08:30 a 16:00 hrs.




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