HISTORY OF MEDELLÍN

We invite you to explore the historical milestones that have shaped Medellín

Medellín, the vibrant city located in the heart of Colombia, is much more than its fame as the "City of Eternal Spring." Its rich and complex history reflects a journey of transformation and resilience that has forged the unique character of this fascinating place.

From humble beginnings as a small settlement in the 19th century to becoming a modern and dynamic metropolis, Medellín has gone through times of challenges and triumphs. The city has witnessed a profound metamorphosis, going from being a key industrial center to a benchmark of innovation and culture in Latin America.

Medellin before and after

The history of Medellín dates back to the 17th century when the inhabitants of the Aburrá Valley, led by the owners of haciendas, in turn miners and merchants, carried out the procedures leading to the erection of the New Village on the site of Ana, as it was known the Santa Elena ravine.

With the founding of this town, the policies of the Spanish Crown to create cities were responded to, which coincided with the interests of its inhabitants who sought greater autonomy to direct their lives and decide on the complexity of citizen life and the future of the new generations, in accordance with their projects and needs. For this reason, the Cabildo of Santa Fe de Antioquia, capital of the province, was an enemy of the new city.

The valley where Medellín sits today was seen by the Spanish for the first time, in August 1541. They came on an expedition under the command of Jerónimo Luis Téjelo, who in turn obeyed the orders of Marshal Jorge Robledo, in search of land and gold wealth.

Inhabited by indigenous people of different character (Yamesíes, Niquías, Nutabes and Aburraes, according to the chronicles), the valley is favorable for the Iberian settlers, led by Francisco Herrera y Campuzano, to found on March 2, 1616, the population of San Lorenzo de Aburrá on the site now occupied by the Parque del Poblado. A Royal Decree from Queen Mariana of Austria, in 1674, granted it the title of Villa and on November 2, 1675, the Villa de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria of Medellín was established.

The Cabildo of defended the interests of Medellin's commerce and the town against the jealousy of Santa Fe de Antioquia, it regulated the circulation of currency, the Sunday market, the grocery stores, the cleanliness and decoration of the town, the layout of streets and others. of healthy coexistence, with which he managed to consolidate Medellín as the main commercial city of the Antioquia province. Thanks to this process, the Nueva Villa became the capital of Antioquia in 1826.

Each stage of its evolution, from the industrial boom to the flourishing of its cultural and technological scene, has left an indelible mark on the city's essence. Medellín has not only overcome difficulties, but has also emerged as an example of revitalization and progress in the Latin American and global context.

Thank you for joining us on this historical journey. We invite you to continue exploring, learning and celebrating the cultural richness and continuous evolution of Medellín. May you continue discovering and enjoying everything this extraordinary city has to offer!

Until next time and continue discovering the wonders of Medellín!

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