The center of the historic part of San Miguel is on a bit of a plateau half way up a steep hillside to the north.  From the east, south, and west, you have to climb upward, the steepest is on the south where my apartment is located four blocks downhill.  After a week of walking up to the center, my legs are in good shape and I no longer am taking Advil!  This picture was taken halfway.



The center is called the Jardin (pronounced har-dean.)  The landmark feature is the church, La Parroquia, with a pink tower that can be seen from miles away.  The exterior of the church was finished in the late 19th century and was designed by a local self educated Indian, Ceferino Gutierrez, reportedly from postcards of European cathedrals.  Its design is distinctly unique.



In front of the church is a square with a garden of pruned trees, plantings, fountains, and lots of benches.  On two sides of the square are arcaded buildings.








The Jardin is filled with people all day long and into the night.  People sit and read, or practice their Spanish with each other, people- watch, or eat food offered by the vendors.  Families and kids come to the Jardin as well and kids blow bubbles and play with toys and balloons. It is especially lively in the late afternoon and early evening.  I can easily sit there for an hour (I do often) and be entertained by all that is going on around me.