Santuario de Atotonilco
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been called Mexico’s Sistine Chapel, and the 18th-century temple complex is a masterpiece. Whitewashed outer walls give way to a riot of color, from murals adorning the nave and chapels to statuary, paintings, and gleaming altars. The Jesuit religious site is among the finest examples of baroque art and architecture in the New World.
The basics
The Santuario to Atotonilco is among the top historical attractions in the region surrounding San Miguel de Allende. It’s also a popular inclusion on tours; they generally include round-trip transport, and some offer guided visits that can help unpack the centuries of history on view here. Keep in mind that the main church is just one of the highlights. Many visitors consider the six smaller chapels featuring folk art, shrines, and statues just as fascinating.
Things to know before you go
Bring small change if you’re visiting on your own for admission fees and donations.
If you’re hungry, try a gordita—the plaza in front of the church often has vendors selling the corn cakes stuffed with savory fillings.
Bring binoculars or a telephoto lens—they can help you see details in the ceiling frescoes.
How to get there
It takes around 20 minutes to reach the Santuario de Atotonilco by car from San Miguel de Allende—it’s located on the Calle Principal to the north of the city center. Tours generally take care of round-trip transport, but you can reach the temple independently. You can come via rideshare, bus, taxi, or a rental car; street parking is available nearby.
When to get there
The Santuario de Atotonilco is generally open daily, though the precise visiting hours vary. If you’re coming independently, checking with a local source before making the trip is a good idea. This is also a key site for religious festivals: A week before Semana Santa (Holy Week), a nighttime procession carries the temple’s statue of Christ into San Miguel de Allende, arriving just before sunrise.
How to explore San Miguel de Allende’s UNESCO-listed historic district
The part of San Miguel de Allende that makes up the UNESCO World Heritage Site covers 64 square blocks, and there's a lot to see in that space. One unmissable highlight is the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel church. Still, it’s worth spending time wandering the 17th- and 18th-century core—either on your own or as part of a guided tour—to soak up the area’s rich historic atmosphere.
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