San Miguel de Allende: A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Destination

San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, has received several awards from national and international media specializing in tourism. It is distinguished by its warm and cosmopolitan people, as well as its centennial traditions, and cultural and gastronomic events that take place throughout the year. The destination has the "Safe Travel" seal of approval granted by the World Travel and Tourism Council, which recognizes the implementation of health and hygiene protocols standardized worldwide.

San Miguel de Allende is one of the most beautiful cities in the state of Guanajuato. Its name is composed of two personalities of the history of the city: Fray Juan de San Miguel, who, along with a group of Tarascans and Otomi founded in 1542 Itzcutaran, which in Nahuatl means "Water of Dogs". Later, it changed its name to San Miguel de los Chichimecas and in 1555 it became the Villa de San Miguel el, Grande. It was not until 1826 that, in honor of Don Ignacio Allende y Uzanga, insurgent leader, was given the current name of San Miguel de Allende.

Tourists attractions and things to do

The atmosphere of San Miguel de Allende, surrounded by old buildings, conveys the tranquility of the province. The warmth and sympathy of its people and the incomparable corners that are presented to us at every step, envelop the visitor in such a way that many are trapped by its charm.

The Main Garden, in the center of the city, is the natural meeting point for locals and strangers alike. It is flanked by beautiful buildings, such as the Portales, dating from the eighteenth century; the Parish of San Miguel Archangel, with its peculiar neo-Gothic facade that, both for its height and its unique style, has become the symbol of the city.

It was built by a master mason, Zeferino Gutiérrez, who designed it inspired by a postcard, presumably of German origin. Inside, there are several works by the famous painter Juan Rodríguez Juárez and it also houses several crypts, the most famous being that of the former President of the Republic, General Anastasio Bustamante.

On one side of the parish church is a two-story building on the corner, which was the house where the famous caudillo Don Ignacio Allende y Unzaga was born. Currently, this building serves as a historical museum. Built-in baroque style, it dates from the 17th century and is characterized, above all, by its beautiful balconies and its beautiful portico with an inscription in Latin, whose Spanish translation reads: "Aquí nació y en todas partes fue conocido" (Here he was born and everywhere he was known).

Going down San Francisco Street, we find the Casa del Mayorazgo de la Canal, a beautiful neoclassical palace with beautiful baroque details, such as the huge carved wooden door. Nowadays it has become an elegant forum where artistic exhibitions of diverse genres are presented.

One of the main characteristics of San Miguel de Allende, in addition to its colonial beauty and tranquility, is precisely the constant presence of artistic and cultural activities, whether in the form of exhibitions or classes. One of the venues for this type of event is the Ignacio Ramirez Cultural Center, "El Nigromante".

It was installed in what was once the Royal Convent of the Conception, an 18th-century construction that could only be completed 100 years after it was begun. One of its main attractions is the dome, a replica of the Invalides of Paris and also designed by the master builder Don Zeferino Gutiérrez.  There you can take courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, theater, and music.

The most important event that takes place in this cultural center is the International Chamber Music Festival, which is held annually during the first two weeks of August. The Ignacio Allende Institute is the most recognized cultural center in the town. Language courses are taught there, which makes it a center of attraction for foreigners.

It also offers classes in drawing, painting, lithography, clay modeling, sculpture, wood carving, welding, silversmithing, and paper meché. It has two art galleries open to the public. The building that houses the Institute is an enormous stone building, made up of courtyards and gardens, erected in 1735 and later remodeled by the famous architect Manuel Tolsá.

Among other old buildings of singular attraction we have: the house built by the insurgent Mariscal Lanzagorta, better known as La Casa Quemada, with an imposing patio surrounded by arches. The Mansion of the Marquis of Jaral del Barrio, built-in 1791 has a door of extraordinary beauty; colloquially, it is known as the House of Pachón.

La Morada del Inquisidor, which was finished in 1780 and whose quarry façade denotes a marked French influence, was inhabited by the Inquisidor Mayor de la Villa; the house of Don Juan de Umarán, who was part of the core of conspirators who began the struggle for Independence, also known as Casa de los Perros, due to the shape of the quarry corbels that adorn its balcony.

Referring to the religious buildings, apart from the aforementioned Parish, it is worth mentioning the Santa Casa de la Virgen, built-in 1712 by the bachelor Juan Antonio Pérez de Espinazo. It combines the plateresque style in its facade and neoclassical in its interior, where you can admire several paintings depicting passages from the life of San Felipe Neri.

The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Salud, a baroque work of the 18th century with a showy façade; the Church of San Francisco, with a churrigueresque façade, dates from the second half of the 18th century and is characterized by the exquisite arcades of its main nave.

Around San Miguel de Allende

From the most important part of the city to the east, you can observe a splendid panoramic view of the entire valley, which extends to the west, with the Sierra de Guanajuato in the background. From there you can admire the Ignacio Allende Dam which, due to its size, lends itself to the practice of all kinds of water sports.

Just 15 minutes away, on the way to Dolores Hidalgo, is a small town full of history, where Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla took as a flag the banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe at the time of leading the Independence Movement: Atotonilco, with its 18th-century Sanctuary. Besides its characteristic beauty, it is known for the religious retreats it organizes.

To the north, less than twenty minutes from San Miguel de Allende, we can find several spas, internationally recognized for their thermal waters, excellent for the treatment of rheumatism and acid accumulation problems.

Handicrafts of San Miguel de Allende

Brass, wool, quarry carving, paper meché, glass, metalwork, goldsmithing, and ceramics are some of the techniques and materials that the artisans of San Miguel de Allende master. The beauties that come from their hands can be purchased at the Ignacio Ramirez Market, next to the plaza. There are countless establishments along the narrow streets offering all kinds of handicrafts.

Festivals and fairs in San Miguel de Allende

With a large number of celebrations and events, San Miguel dresses up all year round, with the following highlights: La Semana Mayor, with the Santo Entierro procession on Friday; the Fiesta de San Antonio de Padua, on June 13, with a parade of 'locos' dressed outlandishly.

The International Chamber Music Festival, during the first fortnight of August; the famous Sanmiguelada, with bulls running through the streets in the style of Pamplona; the San Miguel Arcángel festivities, in September, with dances, mechanical games, fireworks, vendors, etc.

The National Fair of Wool and Brass, with artisans from all over the country, the second half of November; the traditional posadas in December and the Winter Festival of Classical Music, the second half of December.

Food and Gastronomy of San Miguel de Allende

Although it is not possible to speak of typical San Miguel cuisine, this city is known for the exquisite national and international gastronomy offered in its many restaurants.

Services in San Miguel de Allende

There are many and varied attractions offered by the different establishments in San Miguel de Allende. Some hotels are characterized by the refinement of their details. Others, with a very particular flavor, are located in old hacienda houses, with attractions such as horseback riding.

Some are spas, where health treatments are given, and whose greatest charm is the thermal waters or sports facilities. All in all, with its handicraft stores, varied restaurants, incredible landscapes, its taste for culture, art, and the warmth of its people, San Miguel de Allende becomes a labyrinth of pleasant sensations.

The choice for every type of visitor

San Miguel de Allende, the small city with a big heart, shines with its incomparable hotel offerings with jewels such as Matilda "a hotel focused on art"; Casa Blanca 7 and the fusion cuisine of its Fatima 7 restaurant; Hilo Rojo Hotel Boutique, with the most impressive view of the city; Rosewood with its impressive residences and gardens; Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada and its 17th- and 18th-century heritage mansions with interior patios, terraces and gardens; Casa Hoyos, a hotel that brings the past into the present; Feliciana, a boutique hotel with seven rooms, spacious patios and a pool terrace; and of course Live Aqua Urban Resort San Miguel de Allende where tradition and modernity come together in a very chic and relaxed atmosphere.

A city so full of culture can't fail to offer world-class activities and art galleries. And your group can't miss the experience of visiting La Aurora, a renovated textile factory that houses cafes, stores, and galleries with works by local and national artists. And if it's all about integration activities, HQM, San Miguel's expert experience manager, will surprise you with experiences, integration activities, and teamwork, such as the delicious Verde Allende cocktail that is prepared with Tequila Casa Dragones in their mixology workshop.

You can't miss the opportunity to go sightseeing, so put on comfortable shoes and walk through the Historic Center of the city, starting with the imposing Neogothic Parish of San Miguel Arcángel. In the evening enjoy an authentic "callejoneada" (street dance) before enjoying a delicious dinner at Kab'an, where all the ingredients used in the preparation of their dishes are brought from their places of origin.

A must is a stop at San Lucas, a vineyard with a hotel and residential development on the outskirts of San Miguel de Allende. Here you will learn about the wine process and taste the different varieties, as well as have a wine tasting with our hostess Mailén Obón. And we cannot fail to mention -and highly recommend- the activities offered by Coyote Canyon Adventures, winner of the Award for Diversification of the Mexican Tourism Product, in the category of Romance Tourism, for its Deluxe Romantic Adventure.