San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is a city that manages to be both quaint and cosmopolitan at the same time. Once an important stop on the silver route between Zacatecas and Mexico City, its historic center is filled with well-preserved buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. With its narrow cobblestone streets, leafy courtyards, fine architectural details and sumptuous interiors, San Miguel de Allende is arguably the prettiest town in Mexico.
In 2008 UNESCO recognized San Miguel de Allende and the neighboring Sanctuary of Jesus de Atotonilco as World Heritage of Humanity sites, citing the town’s religious and civil architecture as a demonstration of the evolution of different trends and styles, from Baroque to late 19th century Neo-Gothic. (source)
All images were taken by and copyright Jason Humbracht | Indiana Architectural & Travel Photographer
Although San Miguel was founded in the 1540s, the town you see today dates mainly from the 18th century, when it thrived as a staging post on the so-called Ruta de Plata (Silver Route) and as a centre for fabric manufacture. Most churches have elaborate facades in the late baroque style known as Churrigueresque, but sometimes with semi-concealed pre-Columbian motifs introduced by native craftsmen.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico at Night
On the other hand, the signature parish church (La Parroquia) has a curious 19th century Gothic exterior that some regard as Disneyesque! There are also a number of fine mansions with imposing facades, although few of these are accessible to the public. (source)
Daybreak in San Miguel de AllendeDown Cobbled StreetsAlone at Night
San Miguel de Allende went into decline in the early 20th century and there are few buildings from that period. One exception is the former fabric factory, Aurora, now given over to upscale boutiques and galleries. Most of the post-World-War-Two development of homes for foreigners is pseudo colonial, with a minority built in the so-called ‘Mexican Modern’ style. Boveda ceilings are ubiquitous, even though these are said not to be traditional. (source)
Kitchen No. 8Our 2 day home, Hotel Gaby
Explore another picturesque Spanish colonial city by viewing my post Trinidad | Cuba.
A friend in FL was just in this same town. Your photographs are equally beautiful as my friend’s.
Bruce
Thanks so much, I’m glad you like them. That town is very picturesque.
Impressive photos!
Thank you!
Thanks!