Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel

San Miguel de Allende


San Miguel's most famous sight is its parish church, characterized by its pink 'wedding cake' towers that soar above the town. These strange pinnacles were designed by indigenous stonemason Zeferino Gutiérrez in the late 19th century. He reputedly based the design on a postcard of a Belgian church and instructed builders by scratching plans in the sand with a stick. The rest of the church dates from the late 17th century.

In the chapel to the left of the main altar is the much-revered image of the Cristo de la Conquista (Christ of the Conquest), made in Pátzcuaro from cornstalks and orchid bulbs, probably in the 16th century. The adjacent Iglesia de San Rafael was founded in 1742.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San Miguel de Allende attractions

3. Capilla de la Tercera Orden

0.1 MILES

Built in the early 18th century, this chapel, like the Templo de San Francisco, was part of a Franciscan monastery complex. The main facade shows St…

4. Escuela de Bellas Artes

0.12 MILES

This former monastery was converted into a fine-arts school in 1938. Don't miss the murals of Pedro Martínez, plus the Siqueiros Room, which features the…

5. Templo de San Francisco

0.15 MILES

Adorned with an elaborate late-18th-century Churrigueresque facade, this church has an image of St Francis of Assisi at the top. Opening hours vary.

6. Templo de la Concepción

0.15 MILES

A splendid church with a fine altar and several magnificent old oil paintings. Painted on the interior doorway are a number of wise sayings to give pause…

7. Biblioteca Pública

0.2 MILES

As well as housing one of the largest collections of books and magazines in English in Latin America, this excellent public library functions as a…

8. Oratorio de San Felipe Neri

0.2 MILES

Located near the east end of Insurgentes, this multitowered and domed church dates from the 18th century. The pale-pink main facade is baroque with an…