San Miguel de Allende-Churches is Part 15 of Discover Colonial and Aztec Mexico on a Vantage Tour in November and December 2005. Also see other articles published covering important sites in San Miguel de Allende.

PICTURED SITES ARE DESCRIBED IN THIS TEXT.

Vantage describes Mexico as a surprisingly complex nation of many cultures, ancient civilizations, and friendly people which we explored ranging from charming Spanish-colonial towns with cobbled plazas and vast complexes of pre-Columbian ruins to sophisticated cities full of culture, baroque architecture and the arts. We learned of the people's traditions through music and dance performances and museum visits.

An index of articles related to this trip can be seen at our home page: http://www.worldisround.com/home/jdtan/index.html

If you have any questions, email them to me at jdtanner@a5.com rather than including them in your remarks at the bottom of the photo page.

San Miguel de Allende was named for a revolutionary hero who helped free Mexico from Spain. It has a free-spirited and colorful atmosphere with its bohemian reputation attracting foreigners since the 1940's. Many former Americans and expatriates from other countries have winter or permanent homes here.

The city was declared a national monument in the mid-1920's by the Mexican government. Eighteenth-century mansions, fountains, monuments, and churches are reminders of the city's illustrious and sometimes notorious past. It gained fame as an art colony in the early 1950's. Its comfortable climate and beautiful setting make it quite appealing. Its location at more than a mile high takes a little adjustment time when exploring the city.

La Parroquia Church was designed in the late 19th century by a self-trained mason who sketched his designs in the sand with a stick. That mason was probably inspired in his design of the Gothic Revival church by post cards showing European Gothic cathedrals. The postcards did not picture the back of Gothic cathedrals, so the back was done in Mexican style. Local sandstone was used. Although its interior has changed over the years, it is still an active church. Neo-classical stone altars have replaced gilded wood altars. Parishioners are still called to mass several times a day by the original bell cast in 1732.

San Francisco Church was built in the late 18th century financed by donations from wealthy patrons and by bullfight revenues. Its style is attributed to a 17th-century Spanish architect famous for his surface decorations. An image of St. Francis of Assisi on the exterior has below it a crucifix and sculptures of Our Lady of Sorrows and St. John.

Oratorio de San Felipe Neri was built in 1712 by local Indians. The facade is made of pink stone and adorned with a figure of Our Lady of Solitude. Its front is an ornate Baroque style.