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Discover the Magic: Top 14 Fun and Fascinating Facts about Medellin You Won't Believe!

illustration of medellin
Get ready to dive into a treasure trove of fascinating tidbits as we uncover some lesser-known, quirky, and amusing facts about Medellin, the vibrant Colombian gem!

1. Perfect Prescription for Boredom

They say laughter is the best medicine, but it's actually Medellín that might just be the prescription needed for boredom: Known as the City of Eternal Spring, Medellín offers a perfect climate and treats visitors to iconic dishes like Bandeja Paisa at a variety of its delicious restaurants.
Source => colombia.travel

2. From Notoriety to City of the Year

From drug lord notoriety to urban innovator glory: Medellín, Colombia snagged the title of City of the Year in 2013, proudly defeating Tel Aviv and New York City in a competition hosted by The Wall Street Journal and Citi, with the Urban Land Institute. Over 980,000 online votes celebrated Medellín's transformation from a no-go zone to a city championing environment, culture, education, and mobility.
Source => americas.uli.org

3. Stairway to Heaven's Escalator

If the Stairway to Heaven were an escalator, it would probably look like Medellín's ingenious 384-meter masterpiece: Comuna 13's giant orange-roofed escalator covers six sections of the mountainside, reducing a 28-story climb to a breezy six-minute ride, while consequently promoting peace and fostering pride in previously dangerous neighborhoods, thanks to savvy urban planning.
Source => cnn.com

4. Cupid of Floriculture

Who doesn't love a good bouquet of flowers? Medellin serves as the cupid of floriculture and makes the world bloom: In fact, this city supplies a massive portion of the world's cut flowers and showcases their passion with the renowned Feria de las Flores – a ten-day extravaganza held every August that not only highlights their horticultural prowess but also becomes the showstopper event of Medellin.
Source => lajollamom.com

Flower Festival Parade Extravaganza

5. Flower Festival Parade Extravaganza

In Medellin, local farmers don't just stop and smell the roses; they throw a whole bloomin' parade for them: The Feria de Flores (Flower Festival) in Medellin is held every mid-August to honor the city's hardworking farmers, featuring over 25 public and private events, including the stunning Desfile de Silleteros (Parade of flower carriers), where flower farmers tote around weighty, flower-filled adornments that can weigh up to 140lbs, symbolizing the beauty and culture of Colombia, while also showcasing food, art, and music for everyone's entertainment.
Source => medellinvip.net

6. Wardrobe Wonderland

If your wardrobe feels like an endless quest for the perfect spring outfit and you're tired of temperamental weather - Medellin's got your back (and shoulders, and legs): Known as the "City of Eternal Spring," Medellin boasts a consistently temperate climate, averaging a delightful 72°F (22°C) all year round.
Source => storyhunter.com

7. Mother Nature's Thermostat

Mother Nature's thermostat seems to be on the fritz in Medellin, but don't worry—she just prefers a strict golden-locks lifestyle: Medellin, Colombia is known as the "city of Eternal Spring" due to its consistent temperate climate, making it a delightfully comfortable destination for travelers all year round.
Source => livelingua.com

8. Alice's Colombian Wonderland

Ever wondered if Alice's Wonderland had a charming Colombian sibling? You just might find it in Plaza Botero, where colossal characters frolic among the locals: Situated in Medellin, this delightful plaza boasts 23 massive bronze sculptures by famed Colombian artist Fernando Botero, demonstrating his signature exaggerated style. Conveniently nestled between the Museum of Antioquia and the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture, Plaza Botero provides a perfect opportunity to indulge in a whimsical, open-air art gallery experience, all without spending a single peso.
Source => solotripsandtips.com

9. Soccer Rivalry Showdown

While Romeo and Juliet feud in fair Verona, soccer teams Atlético Nacional and Independiente Medellín dance their duel in the fierce field of Colombia's Primera A, Apertura: The Estadio Atanasio Girardot stadium in Medellin serves as the battleground for these two titans twice per season, with the current season positioning Independiente Medellín in 7th place and Atlético Nacional holding the 3rd spot. Soccer aficionados visiting Medellin must not miss the electric atmosphere at the stadium, and betting fanatics can follow live scores and odds exclusively on Sofascore.
Source => sofascore.com

Cable-Connecting Crusader

10. Cable-Connecting Crusader

If Medellin were a superhero, it would be "The Cable-Connecting Crusader": its Metrocable system not only whisks residents across the city with ease, but also unites once-impoverished hillside neighborhoods with vital resources, turning transportation into economic salvation.
Source => tripadvisor.com

11. Tango Before Elvis

Who knew Carlos Gardel was pulling an Elvis before it was cool: After his untimely demise at the Medellin's Rio Negro airport in the 1930s, Medellin became the world's second tango haven with the creation of the Festival Anual de Tango, Casa Gardeliana, and Salón Málaga, offering the dance-curious numerous academies to master the sultry Argentine moves.
Source => en.casacol.co

12. Swipe Right for Medellín

If Medellín had a dating profile, you'd totally swipe right after reading about its charming hill with an artsy side and an endearing love for quaint villages: Cerro Nutibara offers a stunning view of the city and houses a sculpture garden showcasing Colombian art, while atop the hill lies a lovingly recreated village called Pueblito Paisa where visitors can shop, dine, and even pray – but sorry, no dazzling light shows like the Eiffel Tower here.
Source => tripadvisor.com

13. Soaring Colombia's Skies

Why did the paraglider strap on his wings and soar through the skies over Colombia? To take in the view, of course – and maybe for a little waterfall refreshment: Medellin's paragliding scene is truly one-of-a-kind, with adventurers hiking up to launch pads for 2.5 hours, accompanied by local legend Ruben Montoya and his professional team at Paragliding Medellin. As they ascend, participants are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the Aburra Valley and a chance to cool off in the Chorro el Hato waterfalls before soaring back down in style.
Source => theunconventionalroute.com

14. Architectural Superhero Lair

Orchids assemble! Medellín's very own botanical superhero team has constructed the ultimate architectural lair: the Orquideorama. This fortress masquerading as an aesthetically divine steel and glass structure was designed by a resourceful coalition of architects, who engineered magnificent hexagonal 'tree' towers to support a space frame cloaked in glass and wooden slats. From hosting weddings to combating the elements, this veritable fusion of modern design and botanical prowess is a Medellín must-see!
Source => architectural-review.com

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