Walking the Streets of San Miguel

Walking the streets of San Miguel, you never know what you will see.  While you have to be careful on the cobblestone streets, don't forget to look up.  Niches with saints are all around above doors on private homes as well as the shops.

Aldama is said to be the most beautiful and most photographed street in San Miguel.

While there are larger haciendas off the beaten path, most of the private homes in town have much smaller footprints.

Most homes are very well maintained with fresh paint and high-end materials like custom doors or iron gates.  I think those with a little patina are beautiful too.

A lot of these haciendas are privately owned by people who don't live in San Miguel full time so they rent them when they aren't there.  Homeowners tend to name their haciendas, like the one above.  Several years ago we stayed in Casa Carolina which is owned by a family from South Carolina, hence the name. 

This hacienda is named Casa de las Cruces and there are crosses in each window as well as to the right of the front door.

There are so many old carved wooden doors.  While this one is in town on one of the banks or public buildings, some of the residential doors can be quite elaborate.

Next door could be an entryway as simple as the one below.

I am particularly drawn to door hardware and San Miguel has some of the best.

You will see a simple doorknocker like this one above and then something as ornate as the peacocks below.

And a lot in between...

but my favorites are the hands.

Be sure not to miss the exterior lighting.  There are some beautiful lanterns that light the doorways of some of the homes.

The next post will be all about shopping and eating so stay tuned.