Discover Atotonilco—much more than a historic site.

The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Atotonilco is that patriotic image in which Father Hidalgo first takes up the banner bearing the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, turning it into the symbol of the Insurgent Army.

Within the municipality of San Miguel de Allende lies this small rural community that has become a quintessential landmark in our country’s history, but it goes far beyond that, even though most people are unaware of all its hidden wonders. 

First of all, we have to talk about the Santuario de Jesús Nazareno, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and whose construction dates back to 1746, built by Luis Felipe Neri de Alfaro, who was commissioned after having a vision of Christ on the cross. 

With smooth, white walls and a grand scale, its minimalist exterior creates a striking contrast with the exotic interior, whose completion took no less than 30 years to finish these masterpieces.

Known as the “Mexican Sistine Chapel” for its impressive Baroque murals, the Sanctuary attracts thousands of pilgrims each year, who are left in awe by such a level of artistry celebrating the union of the Hispanic and the Pre-Hispanic, resulting in a spectacular visual display.

On the other hand, Atotonilco, which means “place of hot springs,” lives up to its name

thanks to the springs it contains, which are a pleasant 28 degrees Celsius, where you can bathe and enjoy their benefits, including their many vitamins and positive properties for the skin.

With only 600 inhabitants and so much to offer, Atotonilco has become the ideal pilgrimage destination, where all of us who want to connect with our spiritual and historical side can go for an awakening just a few steps from San Miguel.