The Parroquia (San Miguel de Allende Parish Church) may be a perfect metaphor for what San Miguel Allende has become in many ways: a Disney-like version of a Mexican aldea. This is unfair in many ways, and yet it is true that San Miguel has been and continues to be a haven for retiring Norte Americanos attuned to the rhythms of la vida dulce al sur. Mexico has departed from strict Catholicism as most new world countries have, as the pragmatic romance of this place subtly tells.  

Apparently designed by an architect who had never seen the gothic cathedrals it is influenced by, it really does something far different. With it's charming, but somehow inaccurate attempt at the style of an old-world European Cathedral, it is warm to the eye, both safe and nothing like an oppressive monolith to Catholic conformity.

The stone and structure of the building evokes a certain beauty and security and is capable of being watched for endless hours at the plaza principal. The sun, clouds, sunset and church lighting all render any viewer dumbfounded as to how a Christmas tree set in stone could so hypnotize. It ultimately is an enchanting and safe place for gabacas and gabacos with little Spanish who wish to see the interior of Mexico.