Plaza Botero and the Museum of Antioquia
The top attraction in the city center is Plaza Botero and the Museum of Antioquia. The Plaza has 23 huge Fernando Botero sculptures with the Museum of Antioquia on one side and the Rafael Uribe Palace of Culture on the other. The Museum of Antioquia holds a large number of great pieces of art from Botero and other famous artists and some very interesting exhibitions along with a cafe. The Palace which is a beautiful building (at least the part built before they ran out of money and the architect from Belgium took off) is open to the public. There are cultural programs, archives and a small art gallery inside.
Carrera 50
From Plaza Botero you can walk down 50th Avenue (Carrera 50) to the oldest church in Medellin, Basilica of our Lady of Candelaria. This a commercial pedestrian street good for shopping.
Basilica of our Lady of Candelaria
The Basilica of our Lady of Candelaria better known as Iglesia de La Candelaria, below, is the oldest church in Medellin founded by the Spanish in 1649.
Park Berrio Station
About a 3 minute walk from the Plaza is Parque Barrio Station, the closest metro station, which has a large plaza where you can relax and there are usually a number of performers and people selling stuff. Here are some traditional musicians, feel free to join in and dance.
Plaza Cisneros
About a 15 minute walk or short cab ride is Plaza Cisneros better known as Lights Park which is a plaza with 300 light poles, there are normally a number of tables selling crafts here.
Barefoot Park
About a 5 minute walk from Lights Park is Barefoot Park (Cra.58 #42-125) where you are encourage to take off your shoes and feel the energy of the planet. Walk over the garden, sand and put your feet in the water to experience the different textures.
The City Center is interesting and is safe during the day. That said it is not a place you want to go at night and not a place to stay at a hotel as there is still a drug and crime problem in the area.
Please feel free to let me know what you think or if you have any questions. Enjoy 🙂
