Home » Mexico Destinations » San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende

Founded as "San Miguel" in 1542 by a San Franciscan Monk named San Miguel El Grande, it became a centerpiece in the war for Mexican independence from Spain; it was renamed San Miguel de Allende after Ignacio Allende, a hero of the independence movement. San Miguel de Allende is a small colonial town in the Bajio mountains of central Mexico, about 170 miles northwest of Mexico City. Famous worldwide for its mild climate, thermal springs and colonial era architecture, San Miguel de Allende Mexico has attracted a large community of foreign residents and ex patriots.

San Miguel de Allende Mexico is, first and foremost, a city built for relaxing. A Spanish colonial town of perhaps 80,000 people, it's a heritage site protected by the Mexican government in order to maintain its character. It's a tourist destination, an art colony, and a retirement community for a few thousand foreigners — mostly Americans, Canadians, Europeans and the Mexican wealthy that have rediscovered San Miguel de Allende as a Malibu-like retreat from Mexico City, has created an eclectic mix of Old World Mexican charm. Most of the buildings in the central part of the San Miguel date from the colonial era or the 19th century. In 1926, building became heavily restricted in the town's historic centro district, allowing the city to keep the colorful native facades that have become the backdrop of many famous works of art. The law requires newer buildings to conform to existing architecture, and the town has gone to some lengths to retain its picturesque arched colonial mansions, flower-filled patios, and winding, terraced cobblestone streets. San Miguel Mexico has applied to be a UNESCO World Heritage town in 2008. In addition, San Miguel is a destination that draws tourists from all over the world due to its important cultural events, such as the Sanmiguelada, which was inspired by Spain's Pamplona Festival and the San Miguel Jazz Festival, which features renowned artists. San Miguel de Allende is a quiet town that is remarkably comfortable to the traveller and expatriate, one that is calm, quiet, and has a rhythm of its own.

• Activities
• Attractions
• Hotels
• Food
• Nightlife

• Shopping
• Events
• Activities