Colonial prosperity, architectural grandeur and the future of Mexican art

Published October 21, 2024

Founded in 1542 as a Spanish outpost, San Miguel de Allende thrived during Mexico’s colonial period, bolstered by the wealth of nearby silver mines. This influx of riches led to the construction of magnificent mansions, churches, and public buildings, reflecting the city’s prosperity. It was in the days of New Spain that the history of the Instituto Allende truly begins, with a man named Don Manuel Tomás de la Canal.

De la Canal was a wealthy man born in Mexico City to Spanish parents. He moved to what was then known as San Miguel el Grande, drawn by the town’s growing importance as a colonial settlement and its thriving silver trade. In 1734, he built an impressive manor house that reflected his status and ambition. This immense property was not just a residence but a grand estate that included a spacious home, a flourishing orchard, and a vineyard, all enclosed within a massive stone wall. By the time he passed away in 1765, he had built many of the grand landmarks that still stand today.

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