.jpg)
| Destinations >> San Miguel de Allende >> San Miguel de Allende: a Colonial Sensation about San Miguel |
|
By: San Miguel Tourism Board at Ventana Magazine
San Miguel is located on the semi-arid high plains of Central Mexico, near the area known as the Bajío. Geographically, it is almost the center of Mexico, making it easily accessible by air or road.
 Getting Here
Airports in Guanajuato (south of Leon, a 1.5 hour drive from San Miguel) and Mexico City (a 3 hour drive) receive direct international flights. Guanajuato’s airport is served by Aeromexico, Mexicana, Continental Delta and American Airlines with flights from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and Los Angeles.
National flights are available to the airport in Queretaro, only an hour drive away from San Miguel. A number of local companies offer shuttle services to all airports, or you can charter transportation to meet your arrival. FAST FACTS Location: State of Guanajuato 20° 54’ North; 100° 44’ West
Population: Approximately 80,000
Elevation: 6,435 feet
Time: Central Time Zone
Climate: Temperate
International Telephone Calls: • From Mexico: 01+52+(415)+local No.
• From US/Canada: 00+1+local area code+No.
Driving Distances: • Guadalajara – 223 Miles • Leon – 95 Miles
• Mexico City – 171 Miles
• Morelia – 112 Miles
• Queretaro – 39 Miles
• San Luis Potosi – 100 Miles
• Laredo, Texas – 578 Miles
Weather
San Miguel’s location and elevation gives it what many authors call “a year-round spring-like climate,” which translates into cool mornings gently easing into warm sun-filled afternoons which then gradually taper into cooler, sometimes chilly, evenings. During the warmest months from April through August temperatures are 88° (day) / 56° (night) while in December and January they range from 42° to 70°.
History San Miguel De Los Chichimecas - The First San Miguel
Evidence of the first settlers in the vicinity of San Miguel de Allende, who appear to have prospered at agriculture, dates back about 2,000 years. However, about a thousand years ago, these settlements were abandoned, and the area was left with nomadic tribes of hunter gatherers, who were known collectively as the Chichimecas. One of the tribes, the Copuces, had an especially fierce reputation, even amongst the blood thirsty Aztecs. The Spanish also avoided these tribes until the discovery of silver in Guanajuato and Zacatecas compelled them to secure a route from the mines, through the Chichimecas lands, to Mexico City. They began by sending a Franciscan friar, Fray Juan de San Miguel, to convert and pacify the natives. Although his task was not easy, by 1542 he managed to build a church (St. Michael Archangel) and establish a mission he called San Miguel de los Chichimecas. His success was short-lived. In 1551, the mission was overrun by the Copuces and Fray Juan’s successor, Fray Cossin, moved the settlement to a more defensive location a few miles away, present-day San Miguel. However, things did not run smoothly until 1555, when the Spanish fortified the site and encouraged its repopulation, particularly by soldiers. They gave the settlement the name of Villa de San Miguel el Grande and, for variety of reasons, it would prove to be the turning point in the city’s history.. Over the next 250 years, the town became a thriving center for cattle, leatherwork, woolen goods and tool-making. By 1770, San Miguel El Grande had grown to 30,000, and by 1790, its population had risen to 50,000 - about twice that of New York City at the time. The only thing that would stop the city’s growth would be a war 20 year later. Mexico’s War of Independence began in 1810 in the streets of San Miguel, where the fires of discontent had been soldering for decades. The town’s outstanding prosperity and growth had led to a more liberal, laissez-faire attitude than was normal under Spanish rule. San Miguel El Grande - The Second San Miguel One of the main causes of the War was the resentment between the aristocratic Gachupine (Spaniards born in Spain) overlords and the Criollo (Spanish, but born in Mexico) population. The breeding ground of this discontent was the town’s Colegio de San Francisco de Sales -built in 1734- where the seeds of revolution took root in the minds of students like Ignacio Allende and
Juan Aldama. On September 16, 1819, the Cry for Independence by father Miguel Hidalgo signaled the beginning of the insurrection led by Ignacio Allende. Their participation was spectacular but short-lived; both men would be dead within a year. Yet they, and others such as Aldama, Jimenez and Umarán, inspired a nation. What these men started would last eleven years, but it would end in independence for Mexico. In 1826, the town was officially declared a city and was renamed San Miguel de Allende in honor of its homegrown heroes. Similarly, the nearby town of Dolores was renamed Dolores Hidalgo. San Miguel de Allende - the third San Miguel
The war coincided with the depletion of local silver mines, and San Miguel entered into a period of decline. Its population dwindled to less than 5,000 and its once proud churches and elegant mansions fell into decay. The decline lasted well into the 20th century until the arts led to San Miguel’s rebirth. During the 1930’s, BellasArtes was founded, attracting teachers and students from Mexico and beyond; San Miguel’s fledgling art colony soon gained international recognition. The rebirth was firmly cemented in the 1950’s, when the InstitutoAllende was founded and began attracting returning WWII veterans studying under the American GI Bill. As word of San Miguel’s picturesque charm began to spread, more visitors visited the city. In 1982, the Mexican government declared 68 blocks in San Miguel’s center a national Historical Monument, leading to the restoration of the old buildings and the preservation of the colonial atmosphere. Today, San Miguel de Allende - still known for its graceful colonial charm and thriving art community - is also known as a premiere vacation spot and retirement haven. Sites to Visit
Perhaps the best way to enjoy San Miguel de Allende is to walk its cobblestone streets lined with beautiful old churches and colonial mansions. Some of the major attractions you will come across are: • El Jardín-Plaza Principal
The central plaza is the heart of the city. To the south loom the spires of San Miguel’s landmark Parroquia, to the east and west lay colonnades of arches and historic buildings from the colonial era, and to the north stands the Presidencia, or historic city hall. The park draws visitors to sit and gossip on the wrought iron benches shaded by boxy laurel trees while listening to musicians playing from its central gazebo.
• Presidencia Municipal
This building was originally constructed in 1736, but little of the original architecture remains. Nonetheless, it remains historically significant since it was where Mexico’s first independent city council was formed on September 17, 810.
• La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
The original Parish Church, built in the late 17th century, was of relatively conventional and modest design. This changed dramatically in 1880, when the master stone mason, Seferino Gutierrez, was commissioned to create a new facade. A self-taught architect, Gutierrez reportedly was inspired for his design from drawings, engravings and postcards of European cathedrals. The resulting neo gothic fantasy, whose soaring turrets can be viewed from almost any spot in town, have made the Parroquia one of the most photographed churches in Mexico.
• Museo Casa de Ignacio Allende
This two-story baroque building dates back to the 18th century and, with its intricate stone and iron work, is a remarkable example of the homes built by the wealthy colonial nobility. It was the birthplace of Ignacio Allende and now functions as a museum with exhibits highlighting Allende’s role in the struggle for independence and the history and archeology of the region surrounding San Miguel de Allende.
• Casa del Mayorazgo de la Canal
This neoclassical mansion, once the home of the wealthy and influential de la Canal family, now houses a branch of a bank. Its enormous carved wooden main door is evidence not only of the skill of colonial woodworkers but also of the status and heritages of the family.
• Templo de la Inmaculada Concepción
This church is locally known as “Las Monjas” (the Nuns), as it was originally constructed as part of a convent for the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. The church was built between 1755 and 1842, and the elegant dome was added by Gutierrez in 1891. Once again, he modeled his construction on the dome of the Church of Les Invalides in Paris.
• Mercado de Artesanìas
The original craft market is a pedestrian walkway, rambling over three blocks, where vendors sell local folk art and crafts, silver jewelry, decorative items, and inexpensive souvenirs.
Other Sites Include
• Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez “El Nigromante”
• TeatroÁngela Peralta
• BibliotecaPública
• Plaza Cívica
• Oratorio De San Felipe Neri
• Templo De NuestraSeñora De La Salud
• Templo De San Francisco
• El Chorro
• Parque Benito Juárez
• InstitutoAllende
Culture & Tradition
While all Mexicans love a party, it seems that no town enjoys a celebration or fiesta more than San Miguel de Allende. Local citizens take to the streets with verve and enthusiasm for traditional holidays, in honor of national heroes and patron saints, or sometimes just for the fun of it.
It often appears there are more reasons for celebration than days to accommodate them. San Miguel’s most prominent fiestas take place in September beginning with “the Grito” - the Call for Independence- inspired by Father Hidalgo continuing through to the weeklong party of Saint Michael, the city’s patron saint.
Religious festivals continue all year, and thee city also hosts a number of prestigious events that attract artists, artisans, and audiences from all over the world. Undoubtedly, no matter what time of year you choose to visit San Miguel, you will find a party going on. Regional Treasures
The city of San Miguel de Allende is an absorbing destination, but the surrounding area is also steeped in centuries of tradition and full of riches. By exploring the roads from San Miguel to Atotonilco, just 10 miles away, you will discover the fascinating world outside the city. The roads snake through the wide and fertile Laja river valley, an area of peaceful beauty surrounded by rolling foothills and dotted with thermal hot springs. The valley, which has been inhabited for over three thousand years, is now home to quiet rural communities, numerous small churches, and beautiful colonial haciendas. Transportation
Local buses run from 6.00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. Taxis are available 24 hours and are inexpensive. Today, the set fare is $20 pesos for a trip within the town proper during daylight hours. Rates rise after dark and for telephone cabs.  |
