Medellín

Overview

Medellín is possibly best known for the cocaine cartel of the same name run by Pablo Escobar, but that is now all history.

It is an extremely attractive town which serves as the industrial and commercial centre for the surrounding region of Antioquia. With roughly two million inhabitants, it is Colombia's second city. The city is know as the "City of Eternal Spring" due to its mild climate all year long. Although most of the colonial architecture no longer remains, the churches in the center of town are worth a vist. The Basilica de la Candelaria is one of the most popular.

Medellin, a city known by its cultural encounters, the warmth of its people and the amazing views that are most of the time accompanied by clear blue sky and lovely sunsets.

History

Medellin was once considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world for its size, and had a highly disproportional homicide rate. It was the home of the drug lord Pablo Escobar, who virtually took over the city in the late 1980's and early 1990's. Since his demise, the city has recovered a good deal of its stability and prosperity. For example, the number of homicides 1991 was around 4000. As of June 2005, there were only 386 homicides, making Medellin one of the most secure cities in Latin America. The wealthier classes live in the well-protected suburbs of El Poblado, Laureles and Envigado. This is far removed from the action and commotion which are found in the city's center. There are the busy markets and a thriving street life that make up much of the city's charm. The city is flooded with refugees from the ongoing civil war and the ingenuity applied to make a living is impressive. People sell anything from crayons to guinea pigs to garden earth in the bars in order make a living.