Last updated on March 27, 2024.

Salamina is one of the most beautiful towns in the Coffee Region of Colombia. It’s part of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia, and gets barely any visitors compared to places like Salento and Filandia.

A home in Salamina in Salamina, Caldas, Colombia
A home in Salamina
A building in Salamina in Salamina, Caldas, Colombia
A building in Salamina

 

Parque Bolívar

A good place to start exploring Salamina is the main plaza, Parque Bolívar. The plaza is full of tall trees with benches. A gorgeous iron fountain made in Europe sits in the center.

Plaza in Salamina, Caldas, Colombia
Plaza
Plaza in Salamina, Caldas, Colombia
Plaza

The Church of the Immaculate Conception (Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción) sits on the north side of the plaza. It’s got a beautiful interior with a very detailed wooden ceiling. The locals are very proud of this church, which was designed by an English architect in the mid 1800s.

Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción Church in Salamina, Caldas, Colombia
Church of the Immaculate Conception
Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción Church in Salamina, Caldas, Colombia
Church of the Immaculate Conception

 

Cemetery

A few blocks uphill from the plaza is the cemetery. This peaceful and beautiful burial ground has a nice entrance with a skull and crossbones and the words “Lux Perpetualuceateis” (Perpetual Light) inscribed over the door. There are also great views of the surrounding mountains from the cemetery.

Cemetery in Salamina, Caldas, Colombia
Entrance to the cemetery
Cemetery in Salamina, Caldas, Colombia
Entrance to the cemetery
Cemetery in Salamina, Caldas, Colombia
Cemetery

 

Architecture and Doors

The best thing to do in Salamina is wander the streets, admire the architecture, and pay attention to the gorgeous details and colors. Most of the beautiful streets are within a few blocks of Parque Bolívar. Try to notice the flowered balconies, finely detailed doors, and interesting door knockers as you walk through the streets.

Figure above a door in Salamina, Caldas, Colombia
Figure above a door
A door in Salamina, Caldas, Colombia
A door in Salamina
Figure above a door in Salamina, Caldas, Colombia
Figure above a door

 

Calle Real

The main street through town, Calle Real, is full of shops, restaurants, and other businesses. It’s just as colorful as the rest of the streets but with more people. It’s also where you’ll find Café El Polo, if you’re interested in trying a couple of unique local delicacies.

Calle Real in Salamina, Caldas, Colombia
Calle Real

 

Market

At the opposite end of Calle Real from Parque Bolívar is the town’s market. It’s a bit more hectic, louder, dirtier, and more crowded than the rest of town, but it’s interesting to see the locals buying meats, fruits and vegetables, and other goods. This is also where buses and taxis to Manizales  and Aguadas can be found.

Market in Salamina, Caldas, Colombia
Market
Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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