To some San Miguel de Allende means history and tradition, to others art or language, to many, just a place to call home. But, to all, there are a some things that make it unique and memorable, here are just a few...

THINGS TO SEE

History at every turn: San Miguel de Allende was founded in 1542 by Father Juan de San Miguel and by 1790 was one of the richest villages in Mexico, with a population over twice that of New York City at the time. The wealth came from the silver trade; San Miguel had become an important supply stop on the silver route that ran between the mines of Guanajuato and Zacatecas and Mexico City. Many a fortune was made and those that made them took it upon themselves to build elaborate mansions, churches and theaters. San Miguel’s first ‘building boom’ lasted almost three centuries and outstanding examples of almost all styles of colonial architecture are to be found in a stroll through El Centro. Of note are the Templo de San Francisco, Templo de la Concepción, the Oratorio de San Felipe Neri with its interior Santa Casa de Loreto, the Templo de Nuestra Señora de la Salud, the Centro Cultural “El Nigromante” and the Instituto Allende.

La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel: Some love it and call it charming, others mutter quietly about Disneyland. However, there is no doubt that the Parroquia is San Miguel’s most well known landmark and one of the most photographed churches in Mexico. This is the responsibility of Zeferino Gutierrez, commissioned in 1880 to build a new facade for the original 17th century Parish Church. Gutierrez was a master stone mason but a self-taught architect, who is reported to have taken the inspiration for his design from drawings and postcards of European cathedrals. The result is a neogothic fantasy of curving arches and elaborate turrets that soar above the town.

El Jardín: Yet another 19th century addition, but just as integral to San Miguel as the Parroquia if faces. It draws locals and visitors to sit and gossip on the shady wrought iron benches, to stroll in the evening while musicians play from a central gazebo or to line the stone walls and cheer as one of the town’s many parades passes by. If you stay long enough, it seems everyone you know will pass by. The Jardín is also a WiFi hotspot, where you can catch up with old friends as well as new.

Tianguis: Imagine what would result if you crossed a flea market, a farmer’s market, a 19th century food court and the closeout bin at a discount clothier? If you can’t, you should visit the Tuesday open-air market held by Plaza Real del Conde. Under the shade of multicolored tarps are hundreds of vendors hawking fresh fruit and vegetables, dried herbs, kitchenware, hardware, beauty supplies, clothing (new, used, or remaindered from American retailers), watches, CD’s (some of which might be legal) and everything else in between. Even if you only go for the sights you will no doubt end up buying something.

THINGS TO DO

Recreation: Though known as a retirement haven San Miguel offers a wealth of leisure time activities to those that don’t believe retirement means rest. It has a reputation for outstanding hiking and mountain biking, horseback riding and instruction, birding and rock climbing. More conventional pursuits, such as golf and tennis are also at hand and San Miguel has a number of fully-modern gyms and studios with professional instruction in all disciplines from aerobics to Pilates or yoga.

Hot Springs: The road to Dolores Hidalgo is dotted with hot springs producing warm to hot, mineral-rich water. Facilities range from those of luxurious spas to more traditional Mexican balnearios with gardens, picnic areas and restaurants and may include any number of pools. The pools themselves can be indoors, under the open sky or in rock-lined grottos, and range in size from small, perfect for soaking, all the way up to Olympic, ideal for laps or swimming.

Fiestas: The citizens of San Miguel not only love to celebrate the rich traditions and long history which make up this regions past, but seem more than willing to adopt any new occasion that gives rise to a party. Local citizens take to the streets with verve and enthusiasm for traditional holidays, to honor local heroes and patron saints or sometimes, it seems, just for the fun of it. Fiestas, festivales, ferrias; there’s always something happening, and it is all marked with music, dance and, without a doubt, fireworks.

Wining and Dining: If you enjoy dining, and who doesn’t, you will appreciate life in San Miguel. Not only can a number of the towns premier restaurants vie with those of larger North American cities for taste, style and presentation, but standards are high; even modest restaurants offer innovative menus and exotic cuisines and you can find a local cafe on almost every corner, offering inexpensive, tasty, freshly made specialities.

Entertainment & Nightlife: More than one resident of San Miguel has laughingly complained, “There is so much going on here you just can’t get anything done.” It may be true; the local cultural calendar includes gallery openings, theater, concerts, dance, or film – with a different event every night of the week.
Those who prefer lifting a glass to lifting their minds can do so in everything from raucous cantinas, friendly sports bars or pubs, nightclubs featuring rock, blues or jazz (often live) to elegant rooftop terraces and intimate lounges.

Back to School: It has been said that if you, “continue learning, never stop striving and keep your curiosity sharp... you will never become too old to appreciate life.” Well, that doesn’t seem to present a problem in San Miguel, where you can find clubs, classes, lectures and workshops on almost any subject imaginable. Whether you wish to pursue your hobbies and develop your talents or to discover new interests and creative outlets, you will find a myriad of talented professionals, and like-minded friends, who can help you obtain those goals. In San Miguel there is no need to grow old.