San Miguel de Allende is a colonial city in the state of Guanajuato in the Bajío mountains of central Mexico, approximately 270 km northwest of Mexico City. It is a Spanish colonial city with a population of 72,000 people (2020). It is a cultural heritage site protected by the Mexican government. In 2008, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded as "San Miguel el Grande" in 1542 by the Franciscan monk Juan de San Miguel, it became a center of the war for Mexico's independence from Spain. After the war, in 1826, San Miguel was granted city status and renamed San Miguel de Allende in honor of Ignacio Allende, a hero of the independence movement, the "first Mexican soldier," and a native of the city. Threatened with becoming a ghost town in the early 20th century, the city was declared a national monument in 1926. Construction in the historic city center was strictly limited, allowing the city to preserve its colorful local facades, which have served as the backdrop for many famous works of art and even modern films. In the 1950s, a number of artist colonies were established in San Miguel, including the famous Allende Institute, and many American former soldiers moved their families here after World War II, either as members of one of the colonies or to escape polio, which was rampant in many U.S. cities. This population, combined with wealthy Mexicans (especially actors and politicians) who rediscovered San Miguel as a retreat reminiscent of Malibu, away from Mexico City, created an eclectic mix of Mexican Old World charm, American hospitality, and a party atmosphere, making San Miguel a world-class place to live and vacation.

Jermaine