San Angel

To the southeast of the city lies the traditional neighborhood of San Angel. Its wistful name spirits us back, not surprisingly, to the times of the founding of the Carmelite college during the 17th Century, established here to take advantage of a location ideally suited to quiet meditation and the contemplation of Nature. The temperate climate, abundance of water, and the rich, firm subsoil also encouraged the growth of a once-famous orchard, the establishment of textile and finishing mills, and the construction of many fine country estates inhabited by the wealthier citizens of Mexico City.

To this day the local streets retain their cobblestones and invariably lead into small, romantic plazas. Many of the local houses, with their capricious architectural details, today serve as centers for different cultural and artistic activities.

The urban sprawl of the city divided San Angel, cleaving it from Chimalistac, another charming neighborhood. On Saturdays the San Jacinto plaza comes to life with the hustle and bustle of the local handicrafts bazaar, which adds to the already burgeoning variety of antiques and fine handicrafts which can be found here each day.

During the month of July the former convent offers, in addition to its permanent, and magnificent, collection of Colonial art, the lively festivities in honor of the patron saint, Our Lady of del Carmen, held on July the 16th.
Here in San Angel you can visit Diego Rivera's Studio (Altavista avenue, in front of San Angel Inn Restaurant), one of the first Functionalist houses built in the city and now an Art gallery and cultural centre.

San Angel is also home to many excellent restaurants, as well as boutiques offering irresistible displays of fine handicrafts which line Altavista and La Paz streets.

Continuing down this road, along Arenal street, the visitor will arrive in Coyoacan, yet another of the city's most traditional neighborhoods.

The southern area of the city has excellent restaurants several hotels offering a complete range of business and tourist services.