Medellín is the second most populous city in Colombia. It covers 380 sq km (146.7 sq mi) and has a population of 2.3 million people (2011 estimate), within a metropolitan area of 3.3 million people. The city is situated 1,495 m (4,905 ft) above sea level, in the Aburrá Valley, one of the northernmost valleys of the Andean range.
Medellín experiences a tropical rainforest climate bordering on the subtropical highland climate, due to its high altitude. The average high temperature here is fairly constant, between 27°C and 28°C (80.6°F-82.4°F) and a low of 16.5°C to 17°C (61.7°F-62.6°F). Rain is heaviest in October, at 221 mm (8.701 in).
Medellín was originally called Poblado de San Lorenzo when established by Francisco Herrera y Campuzano in 1616. One of the most prestigious university in Colombia, the University of Antioquia, was founded here in 1803. It was a prosperous city in the 19th century, with its economy supported by the export of gold and later coffee.
Downtown Medellín Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Medellin.jpg Author: david peña
Metrocable, Medellin Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Metrocable_-_L%C3%ADnea_J_(3208533784).jpg Author: Edgar Jimenez
In the early 20th century, the discovery of coal and the production of hydroelectricity helped propel the industrial development of Medellín. By the mid 20th century, political instability and violence caused many rural people to flee the countryside for the cities, helping drive up the population of Medellín. Many of these poor rural peole create slums within Medellín, contributing to social problems and high unemployment.
Despite the social issues, Medellín blossomed as a center of culture, producing a number of painters, sculptors and other artists.
Visiting Medellín
The José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), the second largest airport in Colombia, is 45 min from downtown Medellín. It gets direct flights from Barranquilla, Bogotá, Cali, Caracas, Cartagena, Fort Lauderdale, Lima, Madrid, Miami, Panama City and Quito, among others. A taxi ride to the city costs minimum US$30. Alternatively there are minibuses for $3 but does not provide much space for luggage.
Interior of Catedral Metropolitana de Medellín Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Catedral_Bas%C3%ADlica_Metropolitana_de_la_Inmaculada_Concepci%C3%B3n_de_Mar%C3%ADa.JPG Author: Santiago Pareja E
Places of Interest in Medellín
Metropolitan Cathedral Cathedral that ranks as a building that used one of the most bricks in the world - over 11 million.
Museo de Antioquia Museum exhibiting contemporary art.
Museo Ethnográfico Miguel Angel Builes Museum of daily items crafted by the natives from different regions of Colombia.
Museo Universidad de Antioquia Museum with a vast collection, the highlight being its anthropology collection, which has the largest collection of pre-Columbian ceramic pieces.
Pueblito Paisa A reconstructed Antioquia village showcasing native architecture.
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