San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is a town that is rich in history and culture, and is steeped in tradition. The entire town has been designated a national monument. San Miguel is around four hundred and fifty years old, and plays an important role in the history of the entire country. In the year 1542, Fray Juan de San Miguel started a mission in the Chichimeca area, and became known as San Miguel de los Chichimecas at first. Eventually the name of the town that sprang up around the original mission was changed to San Miguel el Grande, so that it was not confused with other cities and towns named San Miguel.



The conspiracies which resulted in the Independence of Mexico was started in this town, by Ignacio Allende and Father Hidalgo, who happened to be the parish priest from the town Dolores Hidalgo nearby. Both these men were born in Mexico to Spanish parents, which made them creoles and considered second class to pure Spaniards born in Spain. This ignited the war which followed. After the town was given city status by the government of Guanajuato, the name of the town was changed to San Miguel de Allende to honor the hero of the Mexican Independence, who was born in the town.

San Miguel de Allende today is still very much a quaint town with many historical sites, buildings, and locations to see and visit. The entire town is a national monument designated as such by the Mexican government,, and is protected to keep the history and culture of the area unchanged and preserved. Many foreigners retire here or visit on vacation, because the weather is perfect almost every day of the year and the climate is warm all the time. There is a museum in town that still contains weapons, letters and notes, and other historical items that were used or written by Ignacio Allende. There is a restaurant that serves meals and drinks on a patio that once was part of a church in the past. There are homes that date back more than one hundred years, a town square that is still used every day, and many historic places to see for anyone interested in the past of this fabulous vacation spot. Some lodging houses and bed and breakfast establishments are located in antique homes in colonial and other historical styles, and buildings designated as historical have restrictions placed on what renovations and changes can be made to keep this history.

In the early nineteen fifties, a mineral spring named La Gruta was discovered, and this spring has proven healing qualities. This discovery turned the town of San Miguel de Allende into a popular tourist destination. San Miguel de Allende is a fascinating place to visit or retire to. The beautiful scenery and countryside, friendly people and warm hospitality, large number of variety and attractions, and the rich history and traditions make this location one that is simply the perfect choice for a trip back to the past while enjoying the present.