The Doors of San Miguel de Allende

Well, these are just some of the doors of San Miguel. There are simple to elaborate doors found on every street. And that morning and afternoon sun really enhances their beauty.

This is the side entrance to the Oratorio de Santo Neri Church. Commonly referred to as the "Oratorio", this is probable the most popular and busiest church among the locals. The structure was originally a chapel owned by the Confraternity of Mulattos. These slaves were brought from the West Indies and employed in the silver mines. The Chichimecas Indians of the area were too hostile to be lured to work underground so the mines owners used slaves from the West Indies and Africa.

A parish priest from Patzcuaro was encouarged to take up residence in San Miguel and he needed a church. The Mulattos did not want to give up their church and their grievences were outlined on a scroll. When unrolled in church, it was blank. Believing this was a miracle, they gave up the church.

This side entrance was built my the Mulattos in which everything is very simple. This "Tequiqui" style is the way the Indians handled European themes and created their style of indienous art.

The textures and colors are so magnificient.

It is common to find stone carvings and niches above the doors.

One of the Cantinas around town.

A view from inside the post office.

My favorite church in town, Las Monjas (the nuns).

It's formal name is La Iglesia y Convento de La Concepcion.