Colombia is a country that has recentlyis developing very actively. Rich in natural resources, it has good oil reserves and is a major producer of precious metals. The second largest city Medellin was considered one of the most insecure decades decades ago, and the crime rate here was just off scale, but now it has become a major tourist center, helped by the program "Social Urbanism", which the former mayor of the city began to implement.
After implementing many costly projectslife changed dramatically for the better, and such an approach to the transformation of the megalopolis, in which the influential drug cartels ruled, was recognized as innovative in the "smart city".
Medellin (Colombia), whose population exceedsthree million people, was founded in the beginning of the XVII century by the Spaniards who came to the Ab'bur valley, where the native Indians lived. The discontent of the people was quickly suppressed, and the tribes, divided into small groups, disappeared after a few years. A small village turned into a large city, in the valley of which began to engage in gold mining, after which the settlement began to grow dramatically. Progressive Medellin, independent of Spain, became the capital of Antioquia, which at that time was home to about six thousand people.
In the XX century in the main shopping center of the state,exporting coffee and gold, industry and car manufacturing are developing, a non-alcoholic beverage plant is appearing. A huge number of immigrants and economic growth had negative consequences - the prosperity of the drug mafia. A sharp jump in crime influenced the reputation of the city, and only after the death of the cruel P. Escobar in 1993 began relatively quiet times. Now it is a well-developed infrastructure industrial center, which is famous throughout the world for Colombia.
Medellin, not losing its colonial charm, attracts tourists with amazing beauty and a huge number of attractions, which I want to talk about in more detail.
The city of eternal spring, as it is lovingly calledlocal residents, surprises with a variety of architectural monuments, such as there is nowhere else. Biblioteca Parque Espana is an amazing complex consisting of three black granite cubes, connected internally by spans. Before this original library appeared, 146 buildings located on the territory of the future landmark occupying an area of more than 14 thousand square meters had to be demolished.
Since the city of Medellin (Colombia) is not tooilluminated in the darkness, "Three black cubes" serve as a kind of beacon for residents and tourists. The appearance of the city library is just as recognizable as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and huge black boulders are visible from anywhere in the metropolis. The merit of architects is that, depending on the time of day and the angle of view, the architectural ensemble looks different every time.
Pictures and sculptures of the famous artistFernando Botero, who works in the technique of figurativism, is proud of the colorful Columbia. Medellin is a city to which the master presented his works, and now 23 bronze masterpieces are in the Botero Square, filled with tourists from morning till night. This is a whole park of sculptures, located in the center of the city, where you can view the original works executed in a grotesque manner without unnecessary fuss.
The city with an interesting history is rich in museums,where all tourists can easily enter, preferring to learn a lot about the place of their holiday. Amazing collections of works of art will be introduced to the past, which Columbia never forgets.
Medellin is primarily known for the museum of Antioquia -the oldest in the province. Founded in 1881, the cultural institution is now located in a mint building and is located next to the Botero park. Here the works of the famous artist are stored, and the exposition is located in 17 spacious halls. Admired tourists will be able to see masterpieces of pre-Columbian and colonial art, as well as interesting works of contemporary authors.
Another museum, which can not be told,is El Castillo, where unique collections of antiques, porcelain dishes, sculptures, tapestries, stained-glass windows are collected. Tourists are struck by the building itself, more reminiscent of a medieval castle in the Gothic style. The monumental building was once privately owned, and the museum was 45 years ago.
In addition, El Castillo is a huge library and a concert hall, which often hosts performances by creative groups.
Medellin (Colombia), whose inhabitants professCatholicism, attracts tourists with a special charm of their religious monuments. The central cathedral, erected in 1931, is known as the largest building in the world, made of bricks.
Located in Bolivar Park, a powerfulthe architectural ensemble is an active temple in which mass for the parishioners is held regularly. Here come to admire the skill of architects, who created an amazing building that looks unusual and majestic.
Tourists, hurrying to rest, have already heard about thean unusual park in which it is forbidden to walk in shoes. The main idea of the green oasis was the Eastern philosophy, which leads man to enlightenment. The "Barefoot Legs Park", divided into three zones, will appeal to those who wish to merge with nature and relax in silence away from noisy highways. Zones of air, stones and water will give real pleasure and pacification, and it seems that in the metropolis the very corner is found that allows you to relax and feel like a child, running fun in the grass.
In modern Medellin (Colombia), a photo of whichemphasize its originality, often come to see with their own eyes a real miracle located on the Cisneros square. The park of light, created by the local architect, is no different from the others in the daytime, but in the evening 300 tall columns, equipped with lanterns and reflectors, will make the heart beat from the seen spectacle.
Illuminating the square of Cisneros, depending on the phases of the moon, the pillars that symbolize the urban forest are something special that one wants to admire.
Of course, Colombia is a country of coffee, inthe production of which involves a large part of the population of the country. Farmers do not resort to harmful artificial additives, and a favorable climate and not affected by man-made disasters land helps them to get a good harvest. This drink has deservedly become world famous, because its popularity is closely linked with the strict quality control that Colombia performs before export. "Medellin Supremo" is one of the best varieties of coffee, appreciated for the fact that all stages of production are carried out manually. Tourists adore it for its excellent taste with a light walnut dive and are surely brought from the trip.
Travelers from different countries are waiting for the pastrapid development of Colombia. Medellin is a city that will make you enjoy the delightful nature, unique sights and boiling life, which does not stop even at night.
