Sunday, June 19, 2016

Colonial Mexico...The Beauty and Architecture of San Miguel!

San Miguel is one of the most well-preserved Colonial cities in Mexico, and its roots go back almost 500 years. Declared a National Monument by Mexico in 1926, which preserved the cities architecture, and a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, it had fallen into disrepair by the early 20th century and its population had declined significantly. In danger of becoming a ghost town, the city began to be revitalized by the arrival of American Stirling Dickinson in 1938 who established the art institute Instituto Allende and the city began to attract artists from all over the world. Today, San Miguel is a thriving city, and the core area surrounding the square is alive with shops, restaurants, cantinas, and mercados.

It is also where many of the cities most beautiful homes and gardens can be found. Virtually all the homes are hidden behind walls, and there is said to be over 2000 doors that face the cobblestone streets. Sometimes as you are walking by, you will catch a glimpse through an open door of one of the many lush courtyard gardens that lie within. Combined with the rooftop gardens that adorn many of the homes, it is a city of staggering beauty and charm. There are no parking meters, and no stop lights or signs.

A deeply Catholic city in a deeply Catholic state, San Miguel is also home to dozens of churches and majestic cathedrals including the centerpiece of the town La Parroquia.

There is so much to see and do in San Miguel that both my head and my camera exploded! Here are just a few of the hundreds of photos I have taken during our visit.

Click on any photo to view the complete gallery.















































1 comment:

  1. Beautiful....looking forward in following your adventures..

    ReplyDelete