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The pleasant town of Hispania is about 3 hours from Medellín. It’s worth checking out if you have a few extra minutes and are driving through the area on your way to Jardín.
Introduction to Hispania
Hispania was founded in 1925, and before that the area was populated by indigenous tribes. It became a municipality in 1984. The town’s main industry is agriculture, with coffee as the most important crop. Hispania is located on the road to Jardín.
Getting to Hispania
You can reach Hispania by bus from Medellín’s Terminal del Sur. Rápido Ochoa can get you there. 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 bus traveling to Andes or Jardín and get off at Hispania.
Parque Principal
Hispania is a sleepy town with one of the most beautiful plazas I’ve seen in Colombia. Each section of the plaza is adorned with colorful flowers and shrubs that are wonderfully maintained. Some parts are shaded by humongous trees.
In the center you’ll find a kiosk selling coffee and drinks. Surrounding the plaza are a few bars, restaurants, and shops.
Church of Our Lady of Mercy
The Church of Our Lady of Mercy (Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes) is on the west side of the plaza. It was built in the Neo-Colonial style in the middle of the 20th century. The church consists of a central nave and two aisles. There are some nice stained glass windows as well as statues along the right aisle.
Paseo Florencia
Paseo Florencia is a street off the north side of the plaza. It’s lined with booths and looks like it was still under construction during our last visit.
Where to Eat in Hispania
We usually only stop in Hispania to break up our drive, but one time we decided to have lunch.
Restaurante Magia
Restaurante Magia is on the south side of the plaza. They serve up traditional Colombian food as well as burgers and a couple Mexican items. We decided on the fixed lunch special, which was pork medallions with fruit sauce served with buttery plantains, salad, rice, and carrot soup. The food was very good and service is friendly.
