Steps south of El Jardin, you’ll find the birthplace of Ignacio José de Allende y Unzaga, a Spanish army officer who fought as a leader for Mexican independence in the early 1800s. Originally built in the 18th century, the officer’s childhood home has served as a museum since its February 1990 restoration by the country’s Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (National Institute of History and Anthropology). The museum’s two floors of exhibits offer insight into the life of Ignacio Allende and furnishings and paintings from the 16th, 17th 18th centuries that highlight San Miguel’s turbulent history.

Travelers to San Miguel recommend exploring the museum for about an hour and a half in order to gain a better understanding of the city’s significance in Mexican history. “The information, if you spend some time reading it all, is extensive. You will leave with a solid knowledge of the history of San Miguel during these tumultuous years,” one TripAdvisor reviewer said.

The Museo Historico is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is 37 MXN (roughly $3 USD) per person, but seniors, young children, teachers and students can get in for free with a valid ID. To learn more, visit the museum’s website.