Historical Museum of San Miguel de Allende, San Miguel de Allende (must see)

The Museo Histórico Casa de Allende stands as a timeless testament to history, courage, and the enduring spirit of Mexico. Its story began in 1760 when Domingo Narciso de Allende y Ayerdi laid the foundation stones of what would become a cornerstone of Mexican heritage. A year later, this stately abode was gifted as a wedding present to María Josefa de Unzaga, forming the ancestral cradle of the Unzaga-Allende family, with Ignacio Allende, a revered hero of Mexico's independence, as one of its illustrious offspring.

The Museo Histórico Casa de Allende's façade, an artistic mélange of asymmetrical elegance, boasts a baroque entrance adorned with neoclassical nuances. Wrought iron flourishes grace the balconies and bars, showcasing intricate designs that pay homage to the craftsmanship of eras bygone.

The ground floor's inaugural room delves into the geological heritage of the region, tracing its evolution from the Pliocene era. Pre-Hispanic legacies and the inception of settlements in the Laja river basin unfold within these walls. Ascending to the upper floor, the exhibits delve into the legacy of San Miguel in the New Hispanic era – a tapestry woven with threads of commerce, culture, education, and the formation of militias.

Yet, the soul of the museum rests in its connection to Ignacio Allende. On the ground floor, amidst these hallowed halls, the story of this iconic figure comes to life. Each room, each exhibit, is a tribute to his enduring influence and the mark he left on Mexico's path to independence.