7 Interesting Facts about Medellin Colombia You Need to Know

Back in 2013, a non-profit research and education organization called the Urban Land Institute named Medellin the most innovative city in the world for its advancement in education and politics, among other things.

The city is also known for its outdoor escalators. They were built in an effort to increase mobility for more than 12,000 residents in the Aburrá Valley, including those from neighborhoods that were inaccessible to vehicles. These outdoor escalators also connect Comuna 13 to the center of the city.

While the city is known for its violent history of drug trafficking and gang wars, it managed to establish improved security for both citizens and tourists over the years, thanks to the efforts of multiple organizations and leaders who fought for the safety and security of the people.

The improved security of the city is also evident in the open public spaces that were created to promote social interaction.

One of the most interesting facts about Medellin Colombia is that in 2004, a French company built a gondola lift system that would serve as a public transportation service. It is regarded as the world’s first ever cable car public transit. Not a bad way to get around, right?

More mobility options were provided as the city worked on infrastructure projects for people to conveniently access different areas throughout the city. The outdoor escalators are just one example of these projects that have made the city a more livable and sociable community.

Bandeja Paisa is the national dish of Colombia, which is even more popular in Medellin. Almost every single restaurant in the city serves this delicious meal.

This dish is made of rice, fried egg, fried beans, ground beef, sausage, and many more. Do yourself a favor and try it out instead of reading about it. It will be one of the best dishes you will ever have.

Medellin is perhaps one of the best cities to live in all of Colombia. While there are a lot of other colorful cities to visit, like the city of Cartagena, very few can top what Medellin has to offer.

If you go to a place in the city called Comuna 13, you will be greeted by a plethora of enormous street art. There are even tours for it guided by none other than the local artists that did some of the murals themselves.

Comuna 13, also known as San Javier, is known for being one of the most dangerous places in Medellin Colombia due to the extreme crime rates that occurred in the area. But since the significant drop of criminal activity in the 21st century, Comuna 13 is now a famous tourist attraction in the country.

Next on our list of fascinating facts about Medellin Colombia is that flowers are a common sight all around the city. They are hung and displayed in public establishments, apartment balconies, parks, and terraces.

In fact, there is even a festival in Medellin called the Festival of the Flowers. Medellin is the City of Eternal Spring because flowers bloom everywhere in the city all year round.

The Museum of Antioquia, also known as Museo de Antioquia, is home to a huge collection of Colombian modernist and historic art. Some of these works are from famous artists like Fernando Botero and Pedro Nel Gómez, both of whom are natives of Medellin Colombia.

Tourists and locals praise the museum for its Botero gallery, not to mention the Botero sculptures in the plaza right outside.

If you’re on a tour around Medellin, visiting the Museum of Antioquia will give you a grasp of what the culture is like around the area.

Another notable cultural institute worth checking out is the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture. The architecture itself is a sight to behold. The best thing about it? It’s right next to the Museum of Antioquia! So there’s no reason for not visiting both places if you’re in the area.

Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture is a national monument dedicated to Rafael Uribe Uribe, a famous Colombian journalist and politician who played a role in the establishment of trade unions in Colombia. He mainly served as a leader who cared about the rights of Colombian workers.

Last on our list of interesting facts about Medellin Colombia is a major bonus for thrill seekers and adventurers alike. If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, you’ll be excited to know that there are a lot of hiking trails in Medellin and the Aburrá Valley.

One example is the Cerro Pan de Azucar (also known as Sugar Loaf Hill). Not many tourists know about this place since it’s along the slopes of the Aburrá Valley. It boasts an incredible view of Medellin.

An interesting fact about the area is that it’s part of The Metropolitan Greenbelt project, wherein they plan to create more recreational parks within the city. Among the many benefits to look forward to from this project include economic and sustainable food growth, more trees and flat areas, and various job opportunities.

Another example is the Cerro el Valador, which is the largest nature park in Medellin. Other than hiking, you can bike, jog, or hang out and enjoy the serene environment.

Within the park is a small museum where you can learn about the indigenous people that used to live in the area, also known to be the first inhabitants of the Aburrá Valley.