"San Miguel de Allende..." Top 5 Page for this destination San Luis Potosí Off The Beaten Path Tip by Ronald_T

San Miguel de Allende in the State of Guanajuato. In 1542, Friar Juan de San Miguel founded the community of San Miguel el Grande in a area inhabited by Guamare and Purepechas nomadic tribes. The community grew rapidly as it was on the mining route between Guanajuato, Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi. San Miguel el Grande was an important town between Dolores Hidalgo and Queretaro during the start of the Mexican War of Independence. In 1826, the name of the city went changed to San Miguel de Allende, hero of the War of Independence. San Miguel is a cosmopolitan and picturesque colonial city of international fame (not in the VT-list). With the beauty of its architecture and its tranquil atmosphere, the city has become one of Mexico’s most important tourist and cultural centres. San Miguel draws both national and international artists and writers who, charmed by its unique ambiance, have established permanent residences here. From a vantage point above the city, San Miguel resembles a Christmas nativity scene where at night hundreds of twinkling lights cast shadows on the narrow cobblestone streets, elegant mansions and churches, all of wish have been instrumental in the designation of San Miguel as a Mexican National Monument.
Nowadays, San Miguel offers an excellent variety of cultural events such as the International Chamber Music Festival and the National Brass and Wool Fair, to name a few. Numerous art exhibitions are also held throughout the year. Located outside of San Miguel there are thermal hot springs and spas for those who want to relax and unwind. The warmth and friendliness of the people and the awe inspiring colonial architecture have enveloped many who are spellbound forever by this city of unparalleled charm...