Built on the slopes of the hills, the urban structure of this city had to adapt to the topographic aspects of the terrain, although trying to respect a reticular shape like a chessboard.
This aspect in the long run allowed it to grow in a measured and harmonious way, which over the centuries has preserved its original character. Its foundation arose from the need to protect and safeguard travelers who transited between Zacatecas and the capital of the then kingdom of New Spain, transporting mainly minerals and who were besieged by the indigenous nomads of the Chichimeca nation. Around the year 1542, Fray Juan de San Miguel established in the vicinity of the current city a town with the name of Itzcuinapan, dedicating the Archangel San Miguel as patron saint. That primitive population had severe problems with the water supply, in addition to the continuous and violent attacks of the indigenous Chichimecas of the surrounding regions. For this reason, the inhabitants of the Villa de San Miguel moved the settlement a few kilometers to the northeast; that was the place where in 1555, at the request of the viceroy Don Luis de Velasco, the Villa de San Miguel el Grande would be founded by Don Ángel de Villafañe. The viceroy also demanded that Spanish neighbors settle there who would be granted land and livestock, while the indigenous people who lived in it would be forgiven the tribute and would be governed by their own chiefs to avoid future rebellions.
On March 8, 1826, the State Congress converted it into a city and changed its name, which would henceforth be San Miguel de Allende, in honor of the famous insurgent who was born there in 1779.
Inside this attractive colonial image, several truly remarkable palaces of the time are housed. Among the most outstanding are the Municipal Palace, formerly the town hall built in 1736. The house where Ignacio Allende was born, an example of the city's Baroque architecture, especially on its façade, and which is currently the Regional Museum. The Casa del Mayorazgo de la Canal, with a beautiful neoclassical façade, was completed towards the end of the 18th century by José Mariano de la Canal y Hervas, alderman, dean and royal ensign. The old manor house of Don Manuel T. de la Canal, a construction from 1735 that was reconditioned according to a project by the illustrious Spanish architect Don Manuel Tolsá in 1809; The building currently houses the Allende Institute and it highlights the breadth of its interior patios, a beautiful chapel and its extraordinary arcade. The House of the Inquisitor, which served as the residence of the commissioner of the Holy Office and dates from 1780. The House of the Marqués de Jaral de Berrio, built at the end of the 18th century, and that of the Counts of Loja with its elegant façade.
As regards religious architecture, the city also boasts architectural treasures of extraordinary value, such as the church and convent of Santo Domingo, a sober building from 1737. The Leal de la Concepción convent, which is currently the Cultural Center, It is a remarkable building for its huge patio; It was built in the 18th century by the architect Francisco Martínez Gudlño.
The chapel of the Santa Cruz del Chorro, one of the oldest; the temple of the Third Order, dating from the early seventeenth century. The beautiful ensemble of the temple and oratory of San Felipe Neri, from the early 18th century; the church has an exuberant baroque façade made in pink quarry and decorated with a strong indigenous influence. Its interior has a varied and rich decoration between furniture, sculptures and paintings worthy of admiration, in addition to the splendid chapel of the Santa Casa de Loreto and its Camarín de la Virgen, both exquisitely decorated and which are due to the devotion of the Marquis Manuel Tomás de la Canal. Near the oratory is the temple of Our Lady of Health, built in the 18th century with its recessed façade crowned by a large shell.
Also among the most attractive in the city, is the San Francisco temple, from the 18th century, with its beautiful Churrigueresque façade, and the famous parish is almost a symbol of San Miguel de Allende; Although its neo-gothic style construction is more recent, it was built on the structure of the old 17th century temple, fully respecting its interior and its original plan.
Very close to the city is the sanctuary of Atotonilco, a 13th century construction of sober proportions that looks like a fortress and inside which valuable paintings from the same century are preserved.
