Medellin

Officially the Municipio de Medellín (Spanish) or Municipality of Medellín prounced in English “Me-de-llin”, is the second largest city in Colombia. It is in the Aburrá Valley, one of the more northerly of the Andes in South America. It has a population of 3.4 million people collectively which called themselves the “Paisas” which differentiates themselves from people living in Cartagena or Bogota.

With its surrounding metropolitan area of Medellin (Area Metropolitana de Medellín) it is the second largest city in Colombia in terms of population and economy and ranks in population as the 95th of the world’s largest urban agglomerations.

Medellin was founded in 1616 by the Spaniard Francisco Herrera Y Campuzano as Poblado de San Lorenzo (Saint Lawrence Town) in what is known currently as El Poblado. In 1675 the queen consort Mariana of Austria created the Villa de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (“Town of Our Lady at Candelaria”).

Medellin History

In 1826 the city was named the capital of the Department of Antioquia by the Spanish colonial administration. In 1803 the University of Antioquia, one of the most prestigious in Colombia, was founded. After Colombia won its independence from Spain, Medellin became the capital of the Federal State of Antioquia until 1888, with the proclamation of the Colombian Constitution of 1886. During the 19th century Medellin was a dynamic commercial center, first exporting gold, then producing and exporting coffee. After the Thousand Day War (1899 — 1902), Medellin was the first Colombian city to take part in the Industrial Revolution with the opening of textile companies and transport projects like railways that allowed its export business to develop and grow this great city. The founding of several universities and vocational training institutions soon followed which helped Medellin to be one of the most hard working, affluent working class in South America today.

At the beginning of the 21st century the city regained its former industrial dynamism, with the construction of the Metro de Medellin railway, liberalized development policies, improved Security, improved education, and promoted the city internationally as a tourist destination.

The Medellin Metropolitan Area is responsible for 67% of the Department of Antioquia’s GDP and for 11% of the economy of Colombia. Medellin is important to the region for its universities, academies, commerce, industry, science, health services, flower-growing, festivals and nightlife.

Medellin Travel & Culture

If you have are you reading about Medellin for the first time, heard about it from friends, or have been here before, it is a place one cannot miss to visit again and again in ones lifetime. The beauty, culture, people, quality of life and amazing investment opportunities are hard to find in one single package anywhere in the world. Don’t let this stereotypical “hype” about lack of security and safety keep you from experiencing first hand what many will sadly miss.

Medellin Real Estate

We continually write new articles about Medellin Real Estate such as best places to buy or live, the difference in price per meter, how to buy real estate safely, the steps in buying real estate with or without a real estate agent, and much more.

To find amazing Medellin Real Estate for rent, for sale or commercial you can see our partner site at www.colombiare.com