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The pleasant town of Ciudad Bolívar is an authentic town in southwest Antioquia, Colombia, about 3 hours from Medellín. It’s worth checking out if you have extra time and are driving through the area.
Introduction to Ciudad Bolívar
The town was founded on August 5, 1839, by Antonio de Jesús Uribe. It took its current name in 1962, and was previously known as San Juan (1853), Quebradona (1865), and Bolívar (1869). The main economy is agriculture, with coffee as the most important crop. Others are beans, sugarcane, plantains, and yucca. Ecotourism is also becoming important.
Getting to Ciudad Bolívar
You can reach Ciudad Bolívar by bus from Medellín’s Terminal del Sur. Rápido Ochoa can get you there. There are also a few daily buses between Ciudad Bolívar and Jardín. If coming from the south via La Pintada, take any bus to Bolombolo and get off at the crossroads at Peñalisa. From there, you can grab a passing bus to Ciudad Bolívar.
Plaza de Bolívar
Plaza de Bolívar, also known as Parque Principal, is the main plaza in Ciudad Bolívar. It’s a large space cut in half by the main road through town. About 12 tall samán trees provide shade. Also, about 70% of the buildings around the plaza preserve the town’s traditional architecture.
Under the trees you’ll find several tables filled with people drinking coffee and beer. Vendors sell fruits, juices, and other treats. It’s a nice atmosphere.
Church of the Immaculate Conception
The focal point of the plaza is the large Church of the Immaculate Conception (Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción), with a statue of Simón Bolívar (1783-1830) in front. The statue was brought to the town in 1947 and installed in 1950.
As for the church, it was constructed between 1869 and 1915 and expanded in 1922. It covers about 729 square meters and features 2 towers topped by pyramidal spires. The interior consists of a central nave with two aisles.
Cerro Cristo Rey
High above town to the north is Cerro Cristo Rey. The park contains a statue of Christ with arms outstretched, standing atop an obelisk. It was placed there in the 1930s. A park on the hill was officially inaugurated in 1992. A trail two blocks north of the plaza leads to the top.
