GASTRONOMIC TOURISM TRANSFORMING HERITAGE CITIES ANALYSIS OF RESTAURANT-HOUSES IN THE HISTORIC AREA OF SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

Abstract

The city of San Miguel de Allende has been an important influence from the colonial period. The city was considered as a transit spot for the mining routes. Its architectural characteristics and cultural development were recognized when the city was listed as a Heritage City by UNESCO in 2008. The historical values recognized were the areas of downtown of San Miguel de Allende and the sanctuary of Jesús de Nazareno in Atotonilco. The historic area of San Miguel is a space in constant rehabilitation, while tourism is encouraged as a motor for economic, political, and social transformations. From the approach of the transformation of architectural space, this article emphasizes the animation and setting of food spaces and how they are transformed. The results show the influence of tourism and gastronomy in the remodeling of buildings, as well as the displacement of local inhabitants in the face of pressure from real estate companies. The use and distribution of the houses has been transformed to adapt to the expectations of national and foreign tourists, while the interior spaces are altered, and the pressure comes on regulations of heritage conservation.