Instituto Allende

San Miguel de Allende


This large 1736 complex, originally the home of the aristocratic De La Canal family, was later used as a Carmelite convent, eventually becoming an art and language school in 1951. These days it's split into two – one area of gardens and an old chapel is used for functions, the other for courses. Above the main entrance is a carving of the Virgin of Loreto, patroness of the De La Canal family, while inside a mural depicts the history of Mexico.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San Miguel de Allende attractions

1. Parque Benito Juárez

0.26 MILES

The shady Parque Benito Juárez is a lovely place to relax and meander through, with benches, well-maintained pathways and a popular play area for children.

3. Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel

0.32 MILES

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…

4. Templo de la Concepción

0.34 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…

5. Escuela de Bellas Artes

0.34 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…

7. El Chorro

0.38 MILES

El Chorro was the spring where San Miguel was founded. Today it gushes out of a fountain built in 1960, and there are public washing tubs here that are…

8. Capilla de la Tercera Orden

0.42 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…