Colonia San Antonio, the largest neighborhood in town, is home to many of the restaurants, boutiques and art galleries that make San Miguel de Allende one of the world’s top destinations, while keeping the historic character and cultural integrity that helped the city become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A walkable neighborhood near Centro
In a city known for its hills, San Antonio is appreciated for being easy to walk, with gentler slopes than much of the historic area. It is a short walk from Centro and Parque Juárez, and its main roads connect easily with the highways. Residents enjoy a blend of calm and convenience.
Stirling Dickinson, the street and the man
On the eastern edge of the neighborhood is Stirling Dickinson street, named after an artist and adventurer from Chicago who arrived in 1937 looking for a quiet place to write his third book. San Miguel captured his heart and he never left. When he arrived, the colonial town founded in 1542 was practically abandoned, facing an uncertain future after an influenza pandemic and the decline of silver mining.
Stirling Dickinson is known as the person most responsible for reviving San Miguel de Allende and turning it into an international art haven. He co-founded and directed the two art schools that attracted many foreign students, the Escuela Universitaria de Bellas Artes and the Instituto Allende, and founded the town’s first public library, known for one of the largest collections of books in English in Latin America.
Today the street, crowned by the Real de Minas hotel, is lined with murals, restaurants, coffee shops and galleries known together as Distrito Stirling. Along with the venues on La Ancha de San Antonio, the main avenue, you will find great dining, live music and art events every day of the week.
Art walks, markets and community
Often called the SoHo of San Miguel, San Antonio hosts the My Studio Art Walks, a weekend event when more than 50 artists open the doors of their studios and galleries. With colorful maps and signs, visitors walk in, have a drink with the artists and see their work.
On the western side of the neighborhood is Mercado Sano, a market of natural and sustainable products, and its TOSMA market on Saturday mornings, with organic produce, baked goods, crafts, live music and traditional food.
Why buy in San Antonio
San Antonio is appreciated for its well-lit streets, active community and strong sense of neighborhood, which make it a comfortable place for families, retirees and anyone who wants a lively, engaging atmosphere. Centered on the San Antonio de Padua church, it offers easy access, a friendly spirit and plenty of outdoor activities in the heart of San Miguel de Allende.
Looking for a home in San Antonio? Our team on Calle Aldama 30 can show you homes in this area and explain how the local market works.
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