Santa Fe de Antioquia: A Colombian Treasure
Santa Fe de Antioquia - of the most beautiful colonial towns in all of Colombia
If you’re looking to escape to one of the most beautiful colonial towns in all of Colombia, then it’s time to make a pilgrimage to the quaint town of Santa Fe de Antioquia.
Visiting Santa Fe de Antioquia is like taking a trip back in time. You’ll feel like you’re walking alongside Spanish royalty as you wander the cobblestone streets and take in the beautiful 15th century Spanish architecture. As you gaze out over the Spanish stucco walls and ornate door carvings that make Santa Fe de Antioquia so special, you’ll understand why this colonial town is regarded as a Colombian treasure that remains undiscovered by tourists.
And if you’re ready for a Colombian experience that you’ll never forget, then you will want to discover real estate in Santa Fe de Antioquia. Take a look at what makes this city so special – and why you’ll quickly fall in love with the locals and lifestyle of Santa Fe.
The History of Santa Fe de Antioquia
Many people think that the town of Santa Fe de Antioquia was founded in 1584; however, it was actually established by Spaniard Jorge Robledo in 1522. As Spanish explorers pushed into the lush jungles of South America in search of treasure, Santa Fe de Antioquia became renowned for its fertile soil, which is fed by the Cauca and Tonusco rivers. In 1545, King Phillip of Spain officially established it as a Spanish colony, and in 1584, Santa Fe de Antioquia became the capital of the Antioquia region, where it remained as the seat of Antioquia’s government until 1826, when that function was moved to Medellín (located just 50 miles north of Santa Fe).
As Santa Fe became a bustling Spanish colony, gold was unearthed near the Cauca and Tonusco rivers. Explorers in search of riches soon flocked to Santa Fe de Antioquia, and gold mining soon became the foundation of its blossoming economy.
When you visit Santa Fe de Antioquia, you’ll notice that this Colombian gem seems frozen in time. Spanish architecture pays tribute to the conquistadors who came before; you can practically hear them walking the cobblestone streets as you walk past the whitewashed colonial houses and admire the tropical flora in one of Santa Fe’s many lush plazas.
Although Santa Fe de Antioquia is well-known to locals, it’s been considered off-limits to tourists due to the mountainous terrain between the city and Medellín. However, in 2006 the Tunnel of the West was opened, allowing tourists from the capital to discover the wonders of Santa Fe de Antioquia for themselves. Colombians began to set up summer homes (known as fincas), in Santa Fe, which in turn provided an extra boost to the city’s economy. Despite its newly accessible connections, Santa Fe de Antioquia remains largely undiscovered by foreign tourists, meaning there’s a wealth of real estate opportunities in this colonial paradise.
To learn more about real estate in Colombia, request our complimentary Investors Guide to Colombia and receive as a bonus NINE Special reports on living, working, investing, retiring and traveling to Colombia.
The Sights and Sounds of Santa Fe de Antioquia
As soon as you visit Santa Fe, you’ll immediately notice just how relaxed life is in this tight-knit Colombian community. Elderly men wile away the hot days playing chess in the cool shade of the plaza trees, while local children enjoy a frenetic game of fútbol on the street corner. Be sure to watch out for Colombian tourists and locals on horseback trotting through the city streets.
Santa Fe is home to a bevy of fascinating sights. As soon as you settle into your Santa Fe de Antioquia weekend home or hotel, why not set off to take in the beautiful scenery near the Metropolitan Cathedral (established in 1799), or visit the local cemetery to gaze at the graves of early Spanish explorers?
When you’re done with your sight-seeing, stay in the city square and enjoy a glass of world-famous South American wine in one of the many tiny bars and cafes (we recommend a glass of Argentinean Malbec or Chilean Carmenere for an authentic experience). Ask the locals to tell you about Santa Fe legends and myths, or head to Las Acacias to enjoy some of the best smoked ribs and chicken in all of Colombia (and, dare we say, South America).
If you’re looking to get back to nature, Santa Fe de Antioquia provides you with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the awe-inspiring sights of Colombia. Santa Fe’s economy is bolstered by maize and beans so take advantage of a local’s knowledge and tour the farmlands. Back in town, you can also learn about Medellin’s bustling textile industry, which is a main component of the area’s economy. See if you can pick up any finds for yourself and get a taste of world-famous Colombian fashion.
Real Estate in Santa Fe de Antioquia
There’s no denying that Colombia has been a dangerous place to visit in earlier decades; however, thanks to recent clean-up efforts by a succession of progressive presidents, Colombia has now earned a reputation as a relatively safe and enjoyable tourist destination for nature lovers and culture aficionados alike.
As Colombia opens its borders to tourists, a new opportunity has developed as a result: investing in real estate in Santa Fe de Antioquia. Between incredible opportunities to take part in one of the last gold rushes on Earth to a clean and healthy lifestyle, the Santa Fe de Antioquia real estate market can provide you with a beautiful vacation destination or even a new place to call home.
If you’re ready to experience the wonder of Santa Fe de Antioquia, then consider investing in local real estate. While the dollar isn’t as strong against the peso as it used to be, you can still purchase a stately holiday residence or new home for much less than what you’d spend at home.
With such a wealth of activities, amenities and experiences awaiting your arrival in the Medellin area, you’ll quickly agree that there’s no place on Earth quite like the Colombian treasure of Santa Fe de Antioquia.
To learn more about real estate in Colombia, request our complimentary Investors Guide to Colombia and receive as a bonus NINE Special reports on living, working, investing, retiring and traveling to Colombia.
how am I to trust anything you say when you state:’
“take in the beautiful 15th century Spanish architecture.” 15th ??????
Colombus discovered “america” [ DR area]….in 1492… and within 8 years the Spaniards got to Medellin, and then in this small nearby town created all of this fabulous architecture…..?
don’t think so…….. then what did they do in the 16th Century? 17th ?
or was it all built at the end of the XX ?????
Jim , The article by Don Ewert is totally accurate
Many people think that the town of Santa Fe de Antioquia was founded in 1584; however, it was actually established by Spaniard Jorge Robledo in 1522. As Spanish explorers pushed into the lush jungles of South America in search of treasure, Santa Fe de Antioquia became renowned for its fertile soil, which is fed by the Cauca and Tonusco rivers. In 1545, King Phillip of Spain officially established it as a Spanish colony, and in 1584, Santa Fe de Antioquia became the capital of the Antioquia region, where it remained as the seat of Antioquia’s government until 1826, when that function was moved to Medellín (located just 50 miles north of Santa Fe).
As a means of recording the passage of time, the 15th century was the century which lasted from 1401 to 1500 Common Era.
Far out Jim way to go bro, the paisas always open there mouth more the they should be
Jim good for you, you know your ABC.