San Miguel de Allende is one of the oldest and prettiest of Mexico's colonial cities. Settled in 1542 by a Franciscan friar, it is located near the geographic center of Mexico, 180 miles NW of Mexico City. At an altitude of 6,300 feet, the town has a nearly flawless climate with sunny days and cool nights year around. It is dry much of the year but in summer, late afternoon rains turn the surrounding countryside into a lush green landscape. The city was declared a National Historic Monument in 1926. There are some steep streets and alleys, many of the sidewalks are exceedingly narrow, and many of the streets are paved with cobblestones. The pace is slow, the people are friendly, and the weather is incomparable.

More pictures below. To see the full-size image, click the thumbnail image.

First is the Parroquia (parish church), San Miguel's best- known landmark. Then three street scenes in San Miguel.

Above, top, Harry is sitting by a fountain in the courtyard of the library, which has books in English. It is run by volunteers, many of whom are ex-pat Americans, and they help raise money for needy children. Once a week there is a used book sale plus a flea market featuring donated goods.

Above, bottom, Harry and I are in the courtyard of Bellas Artes, the National Institute of Fine Arts. Many years ago it was a nunnery.

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