The bus ride was a comfortable 3.5 hours from Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende. We passed through the northern city suburbs and farmland before reaching the high desert (6,200 feet) and the city of 140,000 odd.
It is said that the town owes its founding to a few over-heated dogs. These hounds were loved by a Franciscan friar, Juan de San Miguel, who started a mission in 1542 near an often-dry river. One day the dogs wandered off from the mission; they were found reclining at the spring called El Chorro. The mission was moved to this superior site.
San Miguel was then central Mexico’s northernmost Spanish settlement. The town was home to the Chichimecs. In 1555 there was a garrison to protect the silver route. Spanish ranchers settled in the area and it grew into a thriving commercial center and home to some of Guanajuato’s wealthy silver barons.
San Miguel’s favorite son, Ignacio Allende, was born here in 1779. He became a fervent believer in the need for Mexican independence. Allende was executed for his part in the rebellious conspiracy, but on independence in 1821 he was recognized as a martyr and in 1826 the town was renamed San Miguel de Allende.
The Escuela de Bellas Artes was founded in 1938 and the town started to take on its current character when David Alfaro Siqueiros began mural-painting courses that attracted artists of every persuasion.
Judith’s beautiful home.
Sue and I took a stroll in to town and enjoyed the rosy glow of sunset.
The Parochia.
Around town.
Market.
Juan’s cafe and a couple of the paintings displayed.