This is the house where Mexican independence hero Ignacio Allende was born in 1769, a fact that draws a steady stream of Mexican pilgrims year-round. The…
Must-see attractions in San Miguel de Allende
- MTop ChoiceMuseo Histórico de San Miguel de Allende
- Oratorio de San Felipe Neri
Located near the east end of Insurgentes, this multitowered and domed church dates from the 18th century. The pale-pink main facade is baroque with an…
- Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
San Miguel's most famous sight is its parish church, characterized by its pink 'wedding cake' towers that soar above the town. These strange pinnacles…
- SSantuario de Atotonilco
Known as Mexico's Sistine Chapel, this vitally important church in the hamlet of Atotonilco, 11km north of San Miguel, is defined by its connection to the…
- Escuela de Bellas Artes
This former monastery was converted into a fine-arts school in 1938. Don't miss the murals of Pedro Martínez, plus the Siqueiros Room, which features the…
- Parque Benito Juárez
The shady Parque Benito Juárez is a lovely place to relax and meander through, with benches, well-maintained pathways and a popular play area for children.
- Mirador
One of the best views over the town and surrounding country is from the mirador southeast of town.
- JJardín Botánico El Charco del Ingenio
San Miguel's 88-hectare botanical garden is also a wildlife and bird sanctuary. Pathways head through wetlands and magnificent areas of cacti and native…
- LLa Esquina: Museo del Juguete Popular Mexicano
This bright, modern museum is a must-visit for all kids, big or small. The toy collection of museum owner Angélica Tijerina has taken over half a century…
- BBiblioteca Pública
As well as housing one of the largest collections of books and magazines in English in Latin America, this excellent public library functions as a…
- Templo de la Concepción
A splendid church with a fine altar and several magnificent old oil paintings. Painted on the interior doorway are a number of wise sayings to give pause…
- Capilla de la Tercera Orden
Built in the early 18th century, this chapel, like the Templo de San Francisco, was part of a Franciscan monastery complex. The main facade shows St…
- El Chorro
El Chorro was the spring where San Miguel was founded. Today it gushes out of a fountain built in 1960, and there are public washing tubs here that are…
- IInstituto Allende
This large 1736 complex, originally the home of the aristocratic De La Canal family, was later used as a Carmelite convent, eventually becoming an art and…
- TTemplo de la Salud
With its blue and yellow tiled dome and a big shell carved above its entrance, this church is just east of San Felipe Neri. The facade is early…
- CColegio de Sales
Once a college founded in the mid-18th century by the San Felipe Neri order, the Colegio de Sales has regained its educational status; it currently houses…
- OOther Face of Mexico Gallery
This fascinating private collection of more than 500 masks provides an excellent context to the Mexican mask tradition. It is open by appointment only…
- TTemplo de San Francisco
Adorned with an elaborate late-18th-century Churrigueresque facade, this church has an image of St Francis of Assisi at the top. Opening hours vary.
- IIglesia de San Rafael
Iglesia de San Rafael was founded in 1742.