Churches, everywhere churches... -- Alice Adams |
It is impossible not to be aware of churches and chapels in San Miguel de Allende. The most prominent buildings, as in most Mexican communities, are the religious ones. Before arriving in town the first-time visitor is likely to have seen the pink, drip-castle-like principal church called simply "La Parroquia," the parish church. That enchanting edifice, reproduced on a myriad of postcards, travel posters, and tourist brochures, is the icon that announces San Miguel the way the Eiffel Tower says Paris, or the Golden Gate Bridge heralds San Francisco. On my first visit to San Miguel ten years ago I remember using La Parroquia to get my bearings; I could nearly always see its spires wherever I was, and not feel lost. The fact that La Parroquia fronts the Jardín, the central plaza of town, the "living room" of the community, also made it the homing device of choice. Like everyone else I was seduced into taking pictures of it. I've been making photographs of the churches of San Miguel ever since... |
