3 Best Sights in San Miguel de Allende and the Heartland, Mexico

Once the cloister of the adjacent Convent of the Immaculate Conception, this impressive building has been an institute for the study of music, dance, and the visual arts since 1938. Renovated over a period of several years, it has an auditorium, bookstore-giftshop, and salons for rotating art exhibits. Cultural events are listed on a bulletin board at the entrance.

Since the school's founding in 1951, thousands of students from around the world have come here to learn Spanish and to take classes in the arts. The historical campus, a former country estate, is open to visitors—even if you don't plan on taking any courses, the institute is a great place to spend a few peaceful hours, though it is definitely not a must-see. Take a break at El Cafecito coffee bar. The Galería La Pérgola specializes in modern Mexican art. The Institute also provides a complete travel service, hotel bookings, and cultural, adventure, and shopping tours.

Founded in 1732, the university was formerly a Jesuit seminary. The original churrigueresque church, La Compañía, still stands next door. The green limestone facade of the university, built in 1955, was designed to blend in with the town's architecture.

Between the university and the church, several art galleries and one small museum associated with the center of higher learning present rotating exhibits of contemporary art.