San Miguel de Allende

City in the centre of the state of Guanajuato, Mexico; population (1995) 118,800. Situated on a steep hillside facing the Rio Laja, the city is about 240 km/149 mi northwest of Mexico City. It grew initially as a stopover point for mineral traders carrying gold and silver from the deposits in the Central Mexican Highlands, and latterly as an agricultural trading centre. There is still some mining in the area. The Mexican revolutionary hero Ignacio Allende (1779-1811), who was executed for his part in the struggle for Mexican independence, was born here. The words ‘de Allende’ were added to the town name in 1862. The city attracts many tourists.

The city has been declared a national monument and building is strictly limited. It became popular with North Americans after World War II and is also is a favourite of North American and Mexican artists.