Founded in the 14th century to protect the royal road in the interior of the country, the city of San Miguel de Allende reached its peak in the 14th century, a time when numerous religious and civil buildings were built in the Mexican Baroque style. Some of them are masterpieces of the transitional style between the Baroque and the Neoclassical.

For its part, the Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco sanctuary, built by the Jesuits about XNUMX km from San Miguel, also dates from the XNUMXth century and is one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture and art in New Spain.

It includes a large church and a series of small chapels adorned with oil paintings by Juan Rodríguez Juárez and murals by Miguel Antonio Martínez de Pocasangre.

Due to its situation, San Miguel de Allende was a true melting pot of mutual influences between Spanish, Creole and indigenous culture, and constitutes an exceptional example of cultural exchange between Europe and Latin America.

Its architecture and interior ornamentation demonstrate the influence of the doctrine of San Ignacio de Loyola. (Registration year XNUMX, as Protective Villa of San Miguel el Grande and Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco).