History
Once the most dangerous neighborhood in Medellin, today the Commune 13 has become a focus for tourists and countrymen alike. The colorful and impressive graffiti covers the walls, the lively music fills the streets and an energy spreads among the visitors. However, 20 years ago, it would have been inconceivable that people from all over the world wanted to spend time here, much less welcome. 20 years ago, the streets of Commune 13 knew violence and terror.
The city of Medellín is made up of 6 zones that are divided into 16 communes. In the past thirteen, also known as San Javier, was of bad reputation for being the most dangerous neighborhood in the world and was a mark of much of the civil conflict that terrorized Medellín for 5 decades. Now, the commune represents the hope of change in the city. To understand the total scope of the radical change that the commune has experienced, it is important to have the context of its history of suffering. Now recognized as one of the safest neighborhoods in the city, the commune has become the symbol of the tremendous advances that the city has made and a test of how it can improve; In any case, the commune is a symbol of the resurgence of the city, and a model for countries everywhere, to advance the history of violence, pain...
Read moreGreat Experience! I highly recommend this short 2hrs but intense tour, in spanish, you will find English speaking guides aswell. We had CECILIA, receiving us at the Metro station, very prepared and patient with us, she is lovely and happy to tell you everything she knows. La Comuna 13 twice shattered with military force to cut off the guerrilla, is now reborn after 16 years of change, still growing and pulsing with Life, Art and people that choose to stay and Live! They will show you around telling you the story of the Comuna 13, a story that is told by the graffiti gifted to the people from the local artists,highly recommended a guide, one of the girls and boys living in the Comuna and waiting at the Metro Station San Javier. Try the “Cremas Doña Alba” to give yourself a boost of flavour before going up! Try to stop and maybe buy something from the local painters when going up, I got myself a colourful coffee Mug! Look around and take lots of photos, is totally safe and is recommended by your guide. Try the coffee, from Museo de Café Yipao, where Laura and Manuela will talk to you about coffee, and show you with different...
Read moreComuna 13 is known for its street art – but there’s a lot more to this neighbourhood than pretty murals and selfie spots. Here’s everything you should know before taking a Comuna 13 tour in Medellin.
Just years ago, Comuna 13 was considered the most dangerous area in Medellin, which used to be one of the most dangerous city in the world.
Nowadays, it’s a very different story. Over the past years Comuna 13 has undergone an almost complete transformation and become a safe spot for tourist and one of the most visited attraction in the city. Comuna 13, becomes more readily associated with graffiti, street art performances and walking tours. New infrastructure, including a cable car system and six outdoor escalators, has made life in Comuna 13 a whole lot easier for residents and opened the area up to tourists like...
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