​Lovingly crafted photo book of San Miguel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consistently voted one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

From the authors of Villages of West Africa: An Intimate Journey across Time comes this stunning coffee-table book, a photographic journey through the history, culture and day-to-day beauty of life in San Miguel de Allende.

This magnificently preserved 480-year-old Spanish Colonial city, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, is considered by many to be one of the most picturesque towns in the world. Sitting at an elevation of 6,400 feet on a vast plateau in the Sierra Madre mountains, San Miguel is enveloped by luminous skies, richly colored walls, lush gardens, bustling markets, joyous festivals, an extraordinary array of galleries, exquisite shops and performances by world-renowned musicians and dance troupes that color the life in San Miguel.

Long time residents, architects Cathi and Steven House, have lovingly captured the beauty of San Miguel’s 17th century architecture, its people, festivals and charming cobblestone streets, shared in more than 700 masterful images and accompanying text to present the heart and soul of this impressive city. San Miguel de Allende: The Soul of Mexico is perfect for travelers, those interested in Mexican history, culture and cuisine, anyone thinking of retiring abroad, artists, architects, photographers, and anthropologists. 

Divided into the following sections:
• Architecture
• The Arts
• Holy Days
• People
• Churches
• Markets
• Gardens & Plazas
• Festivals

"…The photographs show a keen appreciation of architectural details. The close-ups of people, both locals and some of the many foreigners who have made San Miguel home, add a personal touch. Anyone with an interest in Mexico, or an appreciation of well-composed photographs, will enjoy this book. " -- Jim Johnston, author of Mexico City: An Opinionated Guide for the Curious Traveler
"…a vibrant book, brimming with color and life, celebrating the town where they have lived, worked, and taught for over thirty years. Their deep familiarity with San Miguel pervades this book and makes it sing." -- Tony Cohan, author of On Mexican Time: A New Life in San Miguel
"San Miguel de Allende: The Soul of Mexico reflects in marvelous form the splendid magic, art, and emotion in every corner of San Miguel. The essence of one of the loveliest cities in Mexico is presented full of poetry, charm and beauty…" -- Laura Obregón Baranda, Poet Laureate of Mexico

Architects Cathi and Steven House have designed well-crafted, soulful buildings throughout the US, Mexico, the Caribbean and Africa. They have received over 50 design awards and have been featured in numerous publications, including two monographs of their work. Cathi and Steven have traveled to more than 65 countries documenting indigenous cultures, presented in three stunning coffee table books. They maintain offices in San Francisco and San Miguel de Allende, run CASA, a study abroad program for architecture students, and their photographs have been extensively exhibited.