San Miguel de Allende is one of the most fascinating cities in our country. Even as the years pass, it continues to show us that it has a little bit of everything: history, culture, traditions, and gastronomy. It’s no wonder it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And although it has several tourist attractions, here we tell you about five places you absolutely must see in San Miguel de Allende to learn about the origins of this colonial city.
Parish of San Miguel Arcángel
The Parish of San Miguel Arcángel is the first religious temple built in San Miguel de Allende between 1680 and 1709. It was built alongside the town of San Miguel El Grande, as the city was previously known. At that time, the building was much more austere, and despite suffering from deterioration, the new façade was built on the foundations of the original temple. The new neo-Gothic façade with pink quarry stone was built between 1880 and 1890 under the orders of Zeferino Gutiérrez, an indigenous master mason. He had the help of the local population, who placed various walls. It is also said that Miguel Hidalgo offered mass in this parish.
Bullring
Another must-see in San Miguel de Allende is the Bullring. This bullring is hidden within the facade of a colonial mansion, at 52 Recreo Street. This plaza was built during the 18th century and is characterized by its circular pink quarry stone design. Today, it is an architectural, historical, and cultural monument where regulated bullfights and other events and shows for all audiences are still held.
Aldama Street
Relatively close to the Parish of San Miguel Arcángel is Aldama Street, one of the most beautiful and photographed streets in the world. It is named Juan Aldama, a reference to the insurgent who participated in the Mexican independence movement. During the founding of San Miguel de Allende in 1542, this street used to be called “Hospital Street” because it was the site of the Old Indian Hospital, also known as Nuestra Señora (Our Lady’s Hospital). Today, it preserves its cobblestone alleyway and colorful colonial-style houses with balconies.
Juárez Park
At the end of Aldama Street is Juárez Park, also known locally as French Park. It was created at the beginning of the 20th century by Dr. Ignacio Hernández Macías, who transformed the land, or rather, the orchard, into a public park. Inside, there is a wealth of exotic vegetation, starting with the bamboo plant. There are also leafy trees and plants reminiscent of European gardens. There is also a kiosk, fountains, hiking trails, benches, sports fields, and children’s playgrounds. There are also vendors selling everything from food to handicrafts.
The Washhouses
Next to Juárez Park is a popular area among locals known as the Chorro Washhouses. These are community washhouses that the Canal family had built during the 18th century and are located at the top of the Chorro. They also house the baths and a primitive chapel. People with fewer resources and no access to water would come here to wash clothes, using water from the spring discovered by Friar Juan de San Miguel. These washhouses still exist today, and people continue to use them for laundry. Without a doubt, one of the must-see places in San Miguel de Allende.
Source: foodandpleasure
