Medellin Flag   Seal   Country Colombia Department Antioquia Founded March 2, 1616 Size 147.5 sq mi Elevation 4905 feet Population 2,350,227 City 3,500,000 Metro
Links of Interest Medellin Government Tourist Map / Google Medellin Street Map

Welcome to Antioquia!

State of Antioquia

Paisas (pie-suhz), as natives of Antioquia are referred to, are the Texans of Colombia! They love their region more than they love their country. Known for being extra friendly, these folks also have shrewd business instincts and a work ethic that starts well before sun up and normally does not finish until after the sun has gone down. Yep, we’re in Paisaland now and the pride of Antioquia runs deep here! Welcome to Antioquia, y’all.

Granted, paisas have a lot to be proud of. Their dynamic abilities and enduring nature boast strong economics for this part of the country. The agricultural, textile and industrial sectors are all strong performers. Antioquia mines produce 80% of Colombia’s current gold output. The capital of Medellín, once synonymous with drugs and violence is now one of the safest big cities in all of Latin America. As a matter of fact, go ahead and forget everything you know about Medellín up to this point because it is probably old news by now. Yes, the city was the headquarters and principal killing grounds for Colombia’s cocaine cartels and their henchmen. However, what the media has forgot to report (until recently) is the fact that this city has achieved a remarkable turnaround and is re-emerging as a world leader in industry, hospitality, and civic leadership.

History of Medellin

The valley of Aburrá was discovered by Spanish explorer Jeronimo Luis Tejelo in 1541, but the settlement of Medellín was founded later, on March 2, 1616 by Spanish conqueror Don Francisco Herrera Campuzano under the name of San Lorenzo de Aburrá. Early development started in the southern part of the city now known as El Poblado. In 1675 the name was changed to Villa de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de Medellín. It was not until 1813 that the villa got the denomination of city. Thirteen years later it was proclaimed capital of the Department of Antioquia, after government officials decided to move out from Santa Fe de Antioquia. Sometime after that, the name was shortened to the present day version of just Medellín.

Historians believe that many early settlers to Medellín were Spanish Jews fleeing the inquisition. They divided the land into small haciendas which they farmed themselves. This contrasts greatly the slave-based plantation culture that dominated early Colombian settlements. With their focus on self-reliance, these early settlers had little interest with outside commercial contact and neighboring regions. They came to be known as hard workers with a fierce independence streak. These are traits that still hold true to this day and can be seen all throughout this radiant city on a daily basis. The people of Antioquia are the heart and backbone of Colombia.

The city's growth began only at the beginning of the 20th century with the arrival of the railroad and the predominance of Medellín increased as coffee production became more important and permitted the country to enter the world economy. Mine owners and coffee barons invested their profits in a nascent textile industry and their gamble paid off big. The industrialization of the district commenced towards the end of the past century and continues today with the development of textiles, clothing, food products, tobacco, agricultural machinery, steel, chemicals, cement and furniture, among others, which turned the city into the second industrial zone of the country and home to the leading textile industry in South America. It also has excellent public services and the most efficient generation of electricity in the country.

By the 1980’s, the city’s entrepreneurial spirit began to show a dark side. Rising through the ranks of the Medellín underworld, a paisa by the name of Pablo Escobar would soon become the king of cocaine and forever change the complexion and reputation of a great city and its people. Due to the new found demand for the drug in places like the USA and Europe, an industry unrivalled emerged and with it came fierce violence based on greed, corruption and dark spirit. Gun battles were common, and the city’s homicide rate was one of the highest in the world. Reaching its pinnacle in the early 1990’s, the government was at the point of collapse as well as the economy. With the aid of the United States Special Forces and tactical units, an effort was made to hunt down one of the world’s most notorious criminals. Led by the Colombian government and local strategic private forces, Pablo Escobar was hunted down and killed in a hail of bullets on December 2, 1993. Pablo Escobar became so rich and powerful in the drug business; Forbes listed him as the seventh richest man in the world in 1989. He is actually considered to be one of the most brutally cruel and cold killers the drug industry has ever known. His grave site can be seen to this day and routinely attracts curious visitors and travelers. Click here for photos.

Although the name Pablo Escobar is well known in Medellín, many locals prefer not to openly talk about him. The paisa locals have been dealt a card they never wanted and many have suffered because of this unfortunate time event. Deeply scarred by one man and his murderous ascent to the top of the drug industry, Medellín is working hard to rebuild its spirit and long history of independence. As a matter of fact, the government of Medellín has launched a media campaign that boasts the slogan “Medellín: Adelante y Sin Reversa”, which translates to moving ahead without looking back. It is vitally important for this city to shed its past and begin to re-emerge into a wonderfully diverse and culturally rich city that every paisa is aware of and wishes to share with its future visitors and travelers.

Click here to read a recent article from the New York Times (August 12, 2007) regarding the 'rebirth' and massive makeover the city is now experiencing.

Modern Day Medellin

A City Moving Ahead

Located in the Aburrá Valley and nestled in the foothills of the Central Cordillera, the capital of the state of Antioquia, Medellín is a dynamic nucleus of the nation. The vibrant and tropical city is the second largest in the country behind Bogotá and boasts an average annual temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit, which has earned it the epithet of ‘City of Eternal Spring’. The city spreads from south to north, with the Medellín River as its axis and is mainly composed of lush, green mountainous highland terrain including four picturesque hills known by the names of Nutibara, El Volador, Picacho and Pan de Azúcar. The ‘Mountain Capital’ as the city is also known, is famous for its gardens, its flowers and a large variety of orchids. Several districts make up the metropolitan area of Medellín, with a total of three and a half million inhabitants affectionately known as paisas (pie-suhz). Medellín is now one of the top 100th most populous metropolitan areas in the world according to the latest world atlas data.

Click here for a digitized map of the state of Antioqia (departmento).

A City for Shopping

Medellín has become a shopper's paradise. There is nothing like a paisa's affability and diligence in helping a client. Therefore, it is delightful to go shopping in this beautiful city, or to be gratified with attentive service, whether in a fine restaurant or at a neighborhood shop. Over the past several years, Medellín has experienced a citywide real estate boom as a result of Colombia becoming one of the top emerging markets in the world. All across the city you will find beautiful malls and shopping centers including Tesoro, Oviedo, Monterrey and Premium Plaza in Poblado. Mall San Diego is located at the southern end of the downtown area and has just recently completed an addition of Fallabella, one of the largest Chilean retailers in South America. Other notable shopping destinations include Los Molinos and Unicentro in Belen, Mayorca in Itagui, El Diamante in the neighborhood of El Estadio, Camino Real downtown among others scattered throughout the city.

The flea market in Medellín opens on the first Saturday of each month and is hosted in the Parque de Bolivar. Known locally as Mercado de San Alejo, this event is full of local artisans and their handmade custom jewelry, paintings, carvings, basketwork, clothes, crafts and more. Full of color and creativity, this historical spot marks a grand tradition all across Colombia of the Sunday market, which is still found in many Colombian villages to this day. One of the most charming and typical features of little markets like this is the custom of haggling and negotiating over every purchase.

The downtown marketplace of Junin is one of the most traditional and historical streets in the city centre. Today it is closed to traffic, and is a lively, colorful and busy central marketplace. Like many other areas of the city, it takes its name from a historical place in time in which Simon Bolivar fought for Peru’s independence near Lake Junin on August 6, 1824. See DiscoverColombia.com’s interactive tourist map for shopping mall locations as well as the DC Travel Guide for details, photos, videos and information on all the major malls and shopping plazas in the city.

A City of Change and Advancement

The downtown district of Medellín preserves good examples of republican architecture such as the Nutibara Hotel and the Municipal Palace. However, Medellín is predominately a modern city in which buildings such as Plaza Mayor, EPM Library, Parque Explora, Parque Biblioteca España en Santo Domingo Savio and the Medellin Planetarium define the ultra modern style that now adorns all parts of the city. Created with crisp architectural lines and native stone exterior facades, these buildings not only represent the new culture centers and libraries they house, but a nascent feeling of re-emergence that is shared with exuberance by all the citizens of Medellín. Fueled by explosive growth and a desire to transform this vibrant city into an international hub of economic activity and culture, numerous city projects have sprung all across the city. It would be a mistake not to mention the name Sergio Fajardo Valderrama when speaking about the recent transformation of the city. As the city’s mayor from 2003-2007, he applied advanced social integration concepts to make sure that new libraries, schools and culture centers were not only constructed in the affluent areas of the city, but the poorest as well. Although he receives criticism as well as praise, his efforts have helped to create a difference in the lives of many people here in Medellín.

Click here to read a recent article from the New York Times (July 15, 2007) regarding the changes that were carried out by recent Mayor of Medellin, Sergio Fajardo.

Shining Examples of Change

Here are a few of the highlighted architectural delights a visitor may find while on tour of this amazingly culture rich city:

Uribe Palace of Culture – The Belgian architect Agustin Goovaerts came to Medellin in 1920. Inspired by art nouveau, then at the height of fashion in Europe, he made the plans for this building which was the Governor of Antioquia’s office until 1987. Now renamed the Rafael Uribe Palace of Culture, it is the home of the department’s archives and the setting for a variety of events. It was originally built as part of a general re-planning of this area of the city with the expansion of the Plazuela Nutibara, the widening of Calle Calibio and Calle Boyaca and the covering of the Santa Elena stream. The ironwork dome on top of the building was imported from Belgium in 1928. Click here for photos.

Metropolitan Cathedral – is built in the Romanesque style with Byzantine details. Designed by France’s Carlos Carre, construction began in 1890 and took more than 40 years to complete and utilized 1,120,000 fired adobe blocks. It is currently one of the world’s largest structures created using this building element. The canopy over the high altar was designed by the Salesian Juan Buscaglioni and made from fine Italian marble enriched with a mix of beautiful colors. The result is a gorgeous cupola supported by four columns set on decorated pedestals, crested by the Cross. Click here for photos.

Coltejer Tower – constructed in 1972, this 574 foot tall massive building encompasses 37 floors and currently stands as the tallest building in Medellin. In addition, it is the 4th tallest building in all of Colombia. Located downtown in the El Centro district, it reminds us of the wealth and power of the city, and has become one of the hallmarks of urban life here. Framed by the Andes Mountains to the east, this building is majestic in appearance and is marked in stark contrast against the lush, green highland mountains that creates a tropical backdrop to this modern structure. The buildings architect was Esguerra Saenz Urdaneta Samper.          Click here for photos.

Edificio Empresas Publicas de Medellin – with final construction completed in 1997, this structure is also known as Medellin’s ‘intelligent building’ and stands at a modest 266 feet and encompasses 12 floors. It is currently the home to the public utility company known by EPM and provides a variety of services to the people of Medellin including electricity generation and distribution, water distribution and treatment, distribution of natural gas and provision of telecommunications services. It is estimated that EPM creates approximately $400 million dollars per year for the city. As such, the city of Medellin is hailed as not only one of the most advanced technology based cities in all of South America, but one of the best run from a financial standpoint. Click here for photos.

Biblioteca EPM – inaugurated on June 2, 2005, this epic structure stands as a clear statement of the social projection by this great Antiochian company, EPM. Dedicated to culture, education, science, industry and technology, the EPM Library is open free to the public and is located on the western side of Plaza Cisneros and sits adjacent to the Alpujarra government buildings. Constructed of glass and natural stone, it’s clear and distinct lines are reminiscent of pyramidal architectural style and hint at the knowledge that is contained within. Click here for photos.

Palacio Nacional / Carrera Carabobo – this area is a true testament to the civic heart and soul of the city. The city administration wanted a public space to fortify civic culture and decided to convert Carrera Carabobo into a pedestrian walkway. This little corridor acts as a city artery flowing with the lifeblood of its citizens. One of the buildings located there is the old “Palacio Nacional”, a national monument, restored and adapted as a shopping mall in 1994. Click here for photos.

True to its purpose, the area has become the scene for a number of community activities. One of the most spectacular civic events was held on Monday, February 4, 2008 in which more than 500,000 Paisa citizens marched for an end to the kidnapping and ransom of more than 600 of Colombia’s citizens (including three government contractors from the USA) by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, otherwise known as the FARC. The FARC is a guerrilla terrorist organization responsible for bloody attacks and murderous treason against its government and citizens. Read more about the FARC in our DC Blogs section.  Click here for photos of the march against the FARC.

Parque Explora – In true Medellin fashion, this area of the city was converted into a truly spectacular gathering spot and entertainment Mecca for its citizens. Combining multiple social elements into one grand celebration of civic transformation is what this park is all about. In the center are located 5 cubed buildings that house multiple interactive rooms combining the senses of touch, sight and sound. The central objective of Parque Explora is to allow an approach to science and technology that engages the visitor to interact fully thus enhancing the discovery and learning process. This master plan also includes other areas of the park dedicated to a botanical garden, a planetarium, an amusement park complete with rides and attractions as well as an aquarium. Opened to the public in December 2007, this park is popular with families, students and visitors from other countries. The University of Antioquia is also located nearby as a complimentary attachment to the richness of education and cultural advancement of the area. As if this were not enough, Parque de los Deseos (Park of the Good Wishes) is also located just on the other side of the metro station (Universidad or University Station). Aerobic exercises are one of the main daily activities that occur here. Click here for photos.

Plaza Mayor – As a leading textile exporter to the USA and the world, Medellin was in need of a new convention center. The answer is Plaza Mayor and it is an ultra modern building designed to meet the current and future needs of this city on the move. Hustle and bustle is what this convention center is all about and plays host to multiple events per year dedicated to industry and commerce. One of the most popular events is Colombiatex, held each year in January. This exhibit to the Americas and rest of the world highlights the fashion and textiles industry. Boasting more than 9,000 national and international buyers and guests, this event attracts more than 280 national and international journalists each year to cover the 400-500 exhibitors who come from all over America including Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, USA, Honduras, Italy, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Venezuela. Another important event at Plaza Mayor occurring every year in June is ColombiaMODA. At this event fashion and clothing are on display models come from all over the world to work the event. During June, Medellin truly is a city full of models and high fashion. Click here for photos.

Fact: International brand name clothiers such as Polo, Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne, Levi’s, Diesel and others dedicate part of their manufacturing in Medellín.

Parque Biblioteca España en Santo Domingo Salvio – designed by Mazzanti Arquitectos and located in the northern part of the city high in the mountains rests a sleeping giant. Much like a volcano rises from the earth as it emergences in birth, so too does Santo Domingo. Three massive non symmetric geometric buildings house informational resources for Medellín’s citizens. Instead of serving as passive repositories of textual knowledge (although they do harbor small collections) the buildings' main focus is housing a myriad of programs, resources, and services dedicated to all ages with an emphasis on small children. Click here for photos.

Parque Biblioteca León de Greiff en La Ladera – also designed by Mazzanti Arquitectos, this library and resource center uses some of the same land integration techniques as Santo Domingo above. Whereas, Santo Domingo boastfully exerts it dominance by jutting out of the top of a hillside in grand fashion, La Ladera takes a more conservative approach in its placement into the hillside. Symmetric in design, these three buildings follow order in a more casual approach and manner than their contemporary counterpart, Santo Domingo. Built on grounds that once stood a prison, La Ladera is not only a wonderful learning center, but a testament to change and the idea of moving forward. Visitors to La Ladera can enjoy the library’s book collection, reading rooms for children and adults, exhibition hall, recreation rooms and internet cafes. There are also sports facilities on site for those more interested in being active for the day. Click here for photos.

Interesting: This is a fascinating blog written by a Berkeley, California graduate student studying architecture who visited Medellín in August of 2007. With a flair for penmanship and a sharp eye for architectural detail, Andrew Ballard describes his personal and professional opinions of the two libraries above, Parque Biblioteca España en Santo Domingo Salvio and Parque Biblioteca León de Greiff en La Ladera. Click here for blog.

Transportation

A City on the Move / Medellin Metro

Medellín boasts one of the most efficient transportation systems in all of the Americas. A pioneer since the early 80’s, Medellín has accomplished what many of the most progressive cities in the world have not, the creation of a mass transit system. Referred to as “The Metro”, it was first conceived with the creation of La Empresa de Transporte Masivo del Valle de Aburrá – Metro de Medellín on May 31, 1979. Feasibility studies carried out by the company Mott, Hay and Anderson put in motion a national project to be considered by the Government of Colombia and its National Advisory Council of Economic & Social Policy. After almost three years of studies and policy efforts, an approval for the project was reached in December of 1982. Construction commenced in 1984 and was contracted to German and Spanish companies.

Inaugurated on November 30, 1995, the metro made its first passenger commute between the stations of Niquía and Poblado on Line A. Soon thereafter, Line B was added which allowed passengers access to the southern sector town of Itagüí. To date, a total of 28 stations are serviced over a distance of 18 miles. Trains run at ground level except for a 3 mile section through downtown in which the train travels along raised viaducts above the streets below, providing some great views of the city. After more than 12 years in service, the metro has transported in excess of 60 million passengers. It currently provides transit access to more than 12% of its citizens on a weekly basis. This fusion of transportation has helped to break down accessibility, mobility and social barriers that once divided a city. A true modern marvel of transportation, the Medellín Metro is an integration of creativity, ingenuity and civic pride. There is even a leg called the Metrocable that was recently opened and consists of cable cars (similar to a ski lift) that transport residents and visitors up the mountain. The ride is safe and offers its passenger spectacular panoramic views of the city. See the DC Travel Guide for hours of operation, price options and maps of service routes. We have also included places to see for each stop the metro makes (stations) across the city.

In addition to the metro, Medellín also offers an extensive and economical bus system that transports its citizens and visitors to all parts of the city as well as the rest of the country. Taxis are also plentiful here and are relatively inexpensive when compared to other parts of the world. See the DC Travel Guide for hours of operation, price options and maps of service routes.

Update: Work is now under way to connect the metro as far south as the city of Sabaneta and completion of this additional line is expected to occur by the end of 2010, thus adding several additional miles to the current system.

http://www.metrodemedellin.org.co/portal/ (in Spanish)

Interesting: This is a funny story of how Megan Lyles, a travel writer from New York, ran into some issues when taking the Medellin Metro to El Tesoro Mall on Saturday, March 18, 2006. Let’s just say that there was something ‘lost in translation’! Click here for story.

Cultural Activity

A City Rich in Culture

Medellín enjoys rich cultural life thanks to many universities, museums, theatres, libraries as well as first-rate artists and musicians. Such institutions include the Modern Art Museum, with a rich collection of contemporary works; the Zea Museum which has a valuable historical archive, and art collections which include those donated by painter and sculptor Fernando Botero, originally from Medellín; the Anthropological Museum, housing a comprehensive collection of pre-Columbian objects; the House and Museum of Pedro Nel Gómez, devoted to his prolific and important work; the Museo de Antioquia & Botero Plaza and the Historical Archive of Antioquia, whose extensive collection of documents bear witness to the rich history of both the city and the region since colonial times. The Jorge Gutierrez Gomez Theater is the largest in Medellín. It seats 1650 people and offers a wide variety of entertainment including opera, theatre, and academic events just to name a few. It is also the home to the Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra. Click here for photos.

A notable fact about Medellin is the proliferation of outdoor three dimensional artworks, generally of high quality, which populate the streets and parks of the city. Botero Plaza is a traditional meeting point for those in search of amazing outdoor art. Inaugurated in 2002, there are twenty three bronze sculptures on display at the Plazelota de Los Esculturas, each one unique in design and character. Click for photos.

Just around the corner at the Alpurra Administration Centre you will find one of the most unique city sculptures in Medellín, El Monumento de La Raza. Constructed of bronze and concrete, this impressive structure is a sweeping design that stretches more than one hundred and twenty five feet in the air. Conceived and built by Rodrigo Arenas Betancur in 1986, it is truly a testament to the city’s strength and strong enduring character. Across the street is located another one of Medellin’s unique outdoor artistic designs, Plaza Cisneros. Situated between the EPM Library and the Vásquez & Carre building, you will find an amazing outdoor park with more than three hundred metal and concrete posts standing an impressive eighty feet a piece into the air. The park is also adorned with bamboo and water elements as well as one hundred and seventy high powered floor lamps that come on at night and reflect beams of light into the sky above. See the DC Interactive Tourist Map for locations as well as the DC Travel Guide for details, photos, videos and information regarding universities, museums, theatres, culture centers and libraries.

Medellin Countryside

Day Tripping Around Medellín

All around Medellín one can find an amazing array of scenic and fun filled activities to engage. Due to the fact that Medellín is nestled into the Andes Mountains, the countryside is a spectacular example of highland tropics complete with lush green vegetation, native fruit trees and an amazing variety of flowers. Each small town that you come into contact with is like stepping back in time, full of culture, rich heritage and genuinely curious locals who will take the time to help you or tell you about their wonderful area and all its treasures. Whether you prefer strolling around the town square of a quaint village looking at local artwork or exploring a local coffee farm, the state of Antioquia has many treasures to discover. Don’t be surprised if you find some special place that makes you want to return again and again. One of the biggest problems here is wanting to stay!

El Peñol / Guatape – located just east of the city about an hour and a half away is the beautiful lake and recreational area of El Peñol (literally ‘the Stone’). Similar to the famous Sugar Loaf of Rio de Janeiro, El Peñol is a 650 feet tall granite monolith rising from the banks of Embalse del Peñol, an artificial lake built in the early 1960’s. Adventurous visitors can even climb the 649 steps to the top and get a bird’s-eye view of the entire region including the beautiful lake below. There is a visitor’s center and place to buy snacks on top of the rock.

Since the construction of a hydro-electric damn and subsequent flooding of the area, El Peñol has become a popular tourist area. There are numerous activities to engage around the lake including hiking, biking, horseback riding, water sports and swimming, and an amazing zip-line in Guatape just to name a few. Click here for photos. See the DC Travel Guide for more information regarding transportation, lodging, activities, sites of interest and pricing.

Santa Fe de Antioquia – northwest of Medellin about an hour down the road exists a town that has gone relatively unchanged in looks and character since the 18th century. The narrow streets are lined with well groomed, whitewashed houses that are mostly single story construction, many of them complete with beautiful Spanish courtyards. You will also find elaborately carved and typical Antioquian woodwork around doorways and windows. This area is located in a warm and balmy valley outside of Medellin and receives much less rain and is therefore considered by the locals as one of the top recreational destinations outside of the city.

Founded in 1541 by Jorge Robledo, it served as the capital of Antioquia until 1826, when the government moved to Medellin. Also known as La Ciudad de la Madre (Mother City), Santa Fe de Antioquia has been declared a national monument since 1960. It was declared Headquarters of the Archbishop in 1985. Not to be missed is the Puente de Occidente (Bridge of the West) just outside of town a few miles. Constructed in 1894, it is listed as one of the longest suspension bridges in the world at 940 feet in length. Flowing beneath the bridge is the Río Cauca, one of the area’s most important rivers. Click here for photos. See the DC Travel Guide for more information regarding transportation, lodging, activities, festivals & events, sites of interest, maps and pricing.

Eje Cafetero – or the coffee region is an area south of Medellin that will take you into neighboring states (departmentos) of Caldas, Quindío and Risaralda. Because of this regions specific altitude and climate, it is hailed for producing some of the finest coffee beans in the world. Accounting for just 1% of Colombia’s total area, this region produces nearly half of the countries annual coffee crop. The combination of agreeable temperatures, lush green valleys, and impressive snow-capped peaks make it perfectly suited for curious travelers as well. Although this area is not really considered a day tip, it is a great place to spend a few days or more exploring some of the most unique terrain on the planet.

The region was not settled by the Spanish until the mid-19th century, when Antioquia began expanding southwards during the colonization period known as ‘colonización Antioqueña’. By 1905, the area had developed enough to become a state (department) of its own, which was called Caldas. By 1966, conflicting economic interests within Caldas led to a split of the area and created two new states of Risaralda and Quindío. The countries rich natural beauty is the reason most travelers visit the region and strong paisa influence can be seen throughout the region including architecture, food and general kindness of its inhabitants. Click here for photos. See the DC Travel Guide for more information regarding transportation, lodging, activities, festivals & events, sites of interest, maps and pricing.