You’ve probably heard of it: it’s known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring‘ or the ‘Capital of the Mountains’. It’s also the capital of Antioquia, Colombia’s second most populous city after Bogotá, and the third most popular destination for foreign visitors. Any idea? The city was the operational center of the world’s most wanted drug cartel from the 1970s to the early 1990s. After a dark past of violence and crime, the city gradually transformed itself to become one of the country’s most dynamic cities. Did you guess? It’s Medellin! In this article, we give you the « must-dos » of this city full of history, culture and life.
Cerro Nutibara
Medellin is one of Colombia’s major cultural centers. To start discovering its cultural heritage, climb Cerro Nutibara, a mountain located right in the center of Medellin and considered the city’s cultural lung. Its panoramic view of the entire valley makes it a privileged vantage point. Take a stroll through Pueblito Paisa, a life-size recreation of an Antioquian village.
La Comuna 13
Commune 13 San Javier, or Comuna 13 , is another must-see. Its many colorful and historic graffiti, street dancers and urban music create a special atmosphere that breathes life and change after a time when violence reigned. The mountains that encircle Medellin acted as a fortress in this neighborhood: the forces of law and order could only gain access with difficulty, and the panoramic view of the city afforded by most of the neighborhood’s streets gave delinquents the power to watch for the arrival of their enemies.
The graffiti on the right remains a trace of this era. It depicts local residents coming out and waving a white flag to call for peace when heavy military operations were taking place, causing violence in the neighborhood.
In 2012, escalators were built. They are a key symbol of the innovative infrastructure and modern urban planning for which Medellin has become world-famous. The escalators have not only improved safety, mobility and accessibility for residents, but have also boosted tourism in the district.
Antioquia Museum
For Botero fans, you’re in for a treat at the Museo de Antioquia, which features a major collection of works donated by Fernando Botero: his own and those of important 20th-century European, Latin American and North American artists. In this way, it aims to raise awareness of the excellent paisa artists from the 19th century to the present day. « Paisa » is the name used to refer to the inhabitants of Medellin. Botero’s work can also be seen in the square named after the artist, where some twenty of his sculptures are on display.
The Botanical Garden
For orchid lovers, the Medellín Botanical Garden has many varieties. Beware, however, of seasonality: they’re not in bloom all year round (usually between March and July)! You can also stroll through the garden, take a nap in the grass or have a picnic. It’s a pleasant place to escape the city’s urbanism.
The cable car
Finish your visit with a ride on the cable car ! With the Cordillera Occidental on one side of the city and the Cordillera Central on the other, you’ll be able to admire the surrounding mountains even better by taking a round-trip in the « metro-cables », for the pleasure of your eyes!
Here’s our selection of places to discover the different facets of this energetic city. So you see, whether you like architecture, art, history or botany, Medellin has it all and is just waiting for you!
