Earlier this month we escaped the last of the snow (yes indeed, there were still bits of snow around here, in the shadows, on May 1!!) and headed to Mexico on a long anticipated holiday. Come along…. I’ll show you some of the sights of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico:
This view of Hernandez Macias is a typical streetscape. But to be fair, SMA is so picturesque, there is a photo at every step.
A look over the roof-tops toward the city centre.
Settled by the Spanish in the early 16th century, the name San Miguel refers to the founder, Father Juan de San Miguel. I’ve heard that the parish church, La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, is one of the most photographed churches in Mexico. One thing is for sure, you can see the spires from almost anywhere in town.
Another pretty street. All the streets in SMA are cobblestone, which can’t be easy on the cars…. or anyone in heels.
A hacienda turned boutique hotel.
A pedestrian space adjacent to the Plaza Allende, or el Jardin.
Another cobblestoned street. This one in the neighbourhood of San Antonio, which is where we stayed. And here is a look at the bell towers of the church of San Antonio in the evening:
San Miguel de Allende played a significant part in the struggle for Mexican Independence. By the beginning of the 20th century, the town was waning and in danger of becoming a ghost town. It was sort of “re-discovered” by foreign artists, who moved in and can be credited for it’s renaissance as an arts-based community and probably for it’s preservation. San Miguel was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. Apparently, about 30 percent of the population is now ex-pat Canadian and Americans. They say, the clear, bright light attracts artists as well as the Baroque/Neoclassical colonial architecture. But frankly, I think the perfect climate also has something to do with it. And the food……
Rose Bay Letters 