In this place full of memory, there are towns that, due to their culture, architecture, and customs, have become a heritage for the nation. These towns represent us and are the voice of Colombia's history. In the region of the Colombian Western Andes, there are some magical places that invite you to discover and visit them over and over again with their beauty, calm, and inspiration.

Jardín, the town where you can feel the charm of paisa culture

Jardín, town of Antioquia.
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With beautiful streets decorated with colorful facades and multicolored flowers, this town welcomes its visitors in the way they deserve. Located just four hours from the city of Medellín, Jericó is characterized by its preserved and captivating architecture, which has over 150 years of existence. It is one of the most recognized heritage towns of Colombia, especially for its welcoming atmosphere and great beauty.

One of the tourist attractions that Jardín has is its preserved architecture looking exactly as it did 100 years ago. Its picturesque balconies and facades captivate with the vibrant colors that characterize them and invite anyone who visits to explore a bit more of this place. Here you will find places of great appeal, like the Cueva del Esplendor, a spectacular waterfall hidden among the mountains.

In addition to its natural sites, some points of interest you can find here include the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, a national monument constructed with plans by the Italian Giovanni Buscaglione, and, to top it off, the city center is crowned by the wonderful Parque Principal de Jardín, one of the favorite spots to visit due to its multiple taverns and gathering places. This square has been a National Monument since 1985 and is paved with stones from the Tapartó River.

Santa Fé de Antioquia, the historical city of Colombia

Santa Fe de Antioquia
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Its houses from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries make this town a unique place and one of the reasons why it is considered a National Monument. Additionally, it has one of the longest hanging bridges in the world, the Puente de Occidente, which measures almost 300 meters long and spans the Cauca River. The bridge was designed by José María Villa, a Colombian engineer who participated in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge.

The entire town attracts the attention and interest of those who visit. The masterful architecture that has been preserved over the years gives Santa Fe de Antioquia the appearance of a city trapped in time. Its colonial look, which inspires and enchants, has been one of the main drivers for it to be declared a National Monument.

The town is surrounded by multiple churches of historical and cultural value such as the Neoclassical Renaissance Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, built between 1797 and 1837. Other must-visit churches include the Cathedral of Santa Fe de Antioquia, the Church of Santa Bárbara, the Church of Our Lady of Chinquinquirá, the Church of Jesus Nazarene, the Church of San Pedro Claver, and the Chapel of San Juan Nepomuceno.

Moreover, the town has a legendary place called La Casa Negra, a 17th-century house that was home to the poet Julio Vives Guerra in 1873. With its doors and windows painted black, it is a monument of the city which was once an educational establishment and now is part of the municipal administration.

Jericó, Athens of the Southwest

Colonial buildings next to the Botanical Garden of Jericó
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Jericó is one of those towns that inspires everyone lucky enough to know it. Located in the western mountain range of the Andes, in the southwest of Antioquia, this is one of those places that preserves our Colombian past and tradition intact. There, among various leather factories that produce thousands of carrieles and other traditional 19th-century paisa accessories, lie some colonial and republican-style houses and churches of Romanesque and Neo-Gothic style, along with one of the most emblematic central squares of Colombian rural architecture.

In addition to its beautiful and well-preserved architecture, Jericó is recognized as the Athens of the Southwest, as, since its founding, the town has been characterized by its culture and literary passion. Among the prodigal sons of this land are Héctor Abad Gómez, a Colombian professor and politician, father of the writer Héctor Abad Faciolince; poet Dolly Mejía; artist Jesusita Vallejo; and narrator and journalist Manuel Mejía Vallejo. Thanks to this precious cultural legacy, international festivals like the Hay Festival have chosen this paradise as one of their venues for art and culture from around the world.

Now, perhaps the most beloved daughter among the locals is Laura Montoya, the first Colombian woman declared a saint by the Catholic Church. In her honor, there are various religious buildings in the town, all of incredible architectural and spiritual value, delighting tourists. Among them, the Cathedral of Jericó stands out, an imposing structure that houses one of the most beautiful museums of religious art in the country in one of its interior crypts. In this sense, another point of interest is Laura's house, “the saint of Colombia,” which is now a museum.

In addition to these sites, the town square, surrounded by various leather craft shops and restaurants, is one of those places that invites you to relax and enjoy the best Colombian coffee. From its nearby mountains waft aromas of coffee and cardamom, signature crops of the area. Among all these charms, the Teatro Santamaría and Palacio Municipal Santiago Santamaría are two places that will also delight you. And if you enjoy admiring nature and wildlife in all its splendor, visit the Botanical Garden Los Balsos, where some of the most beautiful multicolored birds in the area nest among thousands of native shrubs and trees.

Concepción, the most typical town of Antioquia

Central square of Concepción, Antioquia.
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La Concha, or Land of the Córdobas, the latter nickname in honor of José María Córdova and his brother José Salvador, both heroes of the nation, is one of the most beautiful relics of our colonial past and paisa tradition. Just a little over 70 kilometers from Medellín, towards the east of the department, this architectural gem rests among coffee mountains, guava trees, potato crops, and bean and pea shrubs. With its cobblestone streets and intact colonial mansions, including that of the Córdova family, which now serves as a museum and cultural house, Concepción stands out as one of the most sought-after heritage destinations in Colombia.

And in every stone slab, every corner, and blooming wooden balcony that sways in the wind, the richness of the paisa land and the unparalleled kindness of its people is evident. No wonder the place is one of the sweetest municipalities in Colombia: guava, its signature fruit, serves as the base for exquisite sweets and other typical preparations. In addition to enjoying various delicacies, there is much to do: if the idea is to spend a weekend in contact with nature, there are different places to visit. The charco el Brujo, La Planta, El Aguacate, Quebrada Loca, and others await those who want to refresh themselves in the crystal-clear waters of our streams.

Furthermore, other points of interest include the cave of the Hermit, the Matasano and Palmichal waterfalls. Undoubtedly, here lie some of the most beautiful spots in all of Antioquia for the joy of travelers who, in search of peace and calm absent in the cities, wish to experience something unique.

Visit some of these charming heritage towns of the Colombian Western Andes and discover through their stories why we are considered one of the most beloved places in the world.

 

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