Above is one of a half dozen side chapels in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Atotonilco which includes nearby San Miguel de Allende. While most tourists luxuriate in the colorful town, this whole area is historic, beautiful and fascinating!

By all means, visit Ignacio Allende’s house next to the church founded by San Juan de Miguel, who founded the town. You will learn how Allende, the hero of Mexican Independence, lost his eldest son in battle defending his father and see how the Creole elite lived when the Spanish King decided to take the lion’s share of the treasure in silver from the mountains. The mixed race locals were furious that some overseas French-backed King was against the Jesuits educating them, and they rebelled.

Was Allende the mastermind or the Priest Hidalgo, who cried for independence? The smart money is on Allende, but the poor must have listened to Hidalgo. Either way, they were captured and executed, both becoming martyrs. And the people rose up and won their independence from Spain. There’s much to explore!