San Ángel, Colonial neighborhood in Álvaro Obregón, Mexico.
San Ángel is a neighborhood in Álvaro Obregón defined by cobblestone streets and colonial-era buildings. Large mansions decorated with painted ceramic tiles and wooden doors line the streets, with art galleries, boutique shops, and dining spots woven between them.
The neighborhood grew from a rural settlement called Tenanitla, which was transformed in 1613 into a monastery complex run by the Carmelite order. Over time, it developed into an affluent residential area as Mexico City expanded southward.
The Saturday art market at Plaza San Jacinto draws visitors seeking direct contact with local artists and craftspeople. The galleries nearby showcase works spanning colonial periods and contemporary Mexican creation.
The neighborhood connects well to Mexico City's public transportation and is easily explored on foot since most attractions cluster nearby. Restaurants, cafés, and shops concentrate around Plaza del Carmen, making orientation straightforward.
The El Carmen complex features three ceramic-tiled domes visible from different vantage points across the city. A museum inside the former monastery since 1955 displays objects from the Carmelite era.
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