Located in the central mountain highlands of Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is one of central Mexico's legendary silver cities. It's about 200 miles northwest of Mexico City and also about 200 miles northeast of Guadalajara. At an altitude of about 6,400 feet, it enjoys a pleasant climate most of the year. San Miguel's charming colonial atmosphere is now strictly protected by federal historic preservation.

The town of San Miguel became San Miguel de Allende in honor of her native son, Ignacio Allende, who was one of the leaders of the war for Independence in 1810. The city lies at the edge of a mountain basin with Guanajuanto over the mountains on the opposite side of the rim to the west. Most of the streets are flat pavers or cobblestones. The Zocalo, or the Jardin as it is commonly called, is the Plaza Allende which is the center of the town's activities. As you walk the cobbled residential streets, you may see what looks like rather unkempt looking facades. Many often hide beautiful courtyards and charming gardens.

La Biblioteca Publica de San Miguel offers a house and garden tour every Sunday at 11:30 AM, which allows you to get behind three of the many facades and see some of the wonderful homes of the city. This tour is organized and conducted by local residents from the US and Canada. The tour costs $150 pesos and lasts about 2 hours. All of the proceeds from the tours go to assist in the education of San Miguel's rural poor children.

Las Terrazas San Miguel is on Calle Santo Domingo just four blocks up the cobble stoned street bordering El Jardin in front of the Parroquia de San Miguel Archangel, the famous pink parish church with dominates the Jardin.

There are over 20 Roman Catholic churches throughout San Miguel—often adorned with gladiolas but there are also places of worship for those of other faiths.

The city is also known for its art and language schools. El Instituto Allende and La Academia Hispano Americana are among the leading schools in San Miguel. El Instituto Allende and La Academia along with several other schools offer comprehensive courses in Spanish.

In addition to the special schools you will find quite a few art galleries around the center.

 
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Holidays and Events in San Miguel de Allende — 2008