It doesn't matter that Medellin, Colombia, has a history that dates back to the 1600's, the only history the world remembers is the violent period of the 1980's and into the 90's when Pable Escobar's reign of terror earned it the title of the most violent city in the world. Crime was rampant and murder in the streets was a daily occurrence. Everyone in the city had either been a victim of crime or knew someone who had been. People stayed in their houses and were afraid to let their children play outside. That is the Medellin of the past. Today's second largest city in Colombia is a vibrant place to live and is fast becoming a tourist destination for world travelers.
Medellin has long been a major exporter of textile, fine Colombian coffee, and cut flowers. It is taking it's place as one of the top cities in the world for doing business and many travelers and retirees are finding that their spending resources go farther in the Medellin economy.
Former Medellin Mayor Sergio Fajardo said,“Our most beautiful buildings must be in our poorest areas.” beginning a transformation that visionary city government has continued, making this city of 2.5 million into a cultural inspiration for other cities around the world. Education is highly valued and new schools, museums, and libraries have been a part of the changing face of communities in Medellin. During the 1980's every new building was to set aside 5 percent of their budget for public art and new construction in the city has resulted in some of the finest architecture seen in recent years.
Getting around in Medellin is as easy as getting on the Metro, the only one in Colombia. The trains are cheap, clean, safe, and on time. An extension of the public transportation is a cable car system that climbs into the steeper and more difficult to reach areas of the city. The view alone is worth the ride.
Besides being known as the industrial center of Colombia, Medellin is also known as the City of Everlasting Spring because of it's mild sub-topical climate with an average temperature of 72 degrees year round. Built in a steep valley in the Central Andes 5,000 feet above sea level, humidity is moderate and the fresh mountain breezes make air condition unnecessary except in downtown areas.
Visitors to Medellin will be amazed at the number of parks and museums in the city. Must sees are the collection of contemporary art at Museo de Antioquia, Jardin Botanico or Botanical Gardens, Parque de los Deseos or Wishes Park, Plaza Botera, and Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica. Sidewalk cafes, coffee houses, and a sizzling nightlife are added attractions to this astonishing city that has seen so much horror and has come out of that shade into the light of a bright new future.
Visitors find Medellin one of the friendliest cities in the world and the women among the most beautiful seen anywhere. After years of being in shadow, locals are glad of the resurgence of tourism and greet visitors with open arms and genuine smiles.
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