San Miguel de Allende is a small colonial town in the Bajio mountains of central Mexico, about 170 miles northwest of Mexico City. Founded as “San Miguel” in 1542 by a San Franciscan Monk named San Miguel El Grande, it became a centerpiece in the war for Mexican independence from Spain.

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San Miguel is, first and foremost, a city built for relaxing. A Spanish colonial town of perhaps 140,000 people, it’s a heritage site protected by the Mexican government in order to maintain its character. In July of 2008 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a tourist destination, and an art colony. And now, San Miguel is also home to several thousand expatriates so our English speaking guests will feel right at home. In spite of the increased number of foreigners over the past perhaps 20 years, it still is charming enough that many Mexicans visit for special holidays, and there are more than a few visitors who buy a house within a few days of their first arrival.

Many come for a get-away, but return for a lifetime.

Source: WikiTravel.org