In this little village, on a Sunday morning in mid September of 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, burning with the fire of his obsession that the Mexican people should be freed from the yoke of the Spanish conquerors, spoke to his followers from the front steps of his parish church and exhorted them to take arms against their oppressors. This incident represents the beginning of Mexico's fight for self rule. Hidalgo is revered by all Mexicans as the "Father of Mexico's Independence."

Several large commemorative monuments have been erected in Dolores Hidalgo, but it is the quiet reverence for the parish church and the historical significance of its well worn front steps that make an indelible impression on those who visit the town. Hidalgo's house, a block south of the plaza, is now a museum. Also of interest are two ceramic tile factories.

The old church of Atotonilco

Off the highway, between Dolores Hidalgo and San Miguel de Allende, is the village of Atotonilco, at whose parish church Father Hidalgo stopped with his disheveled independence "army" while on his way to battle the Spanish royalists. He took from the church an embroidered tapestry showing the image of Mexico's patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, and made it the banner of his cause.

The plain facade of the sanctuary of Atotonilco belies the fact that it is a treasure house of religious paintings, sculptures, and examples of early Christian Indian art. Literally hundreds of art works fill the church including stone carvings, miniature murals, statuary, and even poetry,

Atotonilco means "place of hot water." The church was built in 1784 over hot springs; mineral baths are available to the public. Pilgrims come here by the thousands to do penance.

Just south of Atotonilco is the well known Mexican thermal springs resort of Taboada.