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Medellín

Medellín is the second-largest city in Colombia and the capital of Antioquia department.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Medellín is the second-largest city in Colombia and the capital of Antioquia department. It is located in the Aburrá Valley in the Andes and is officially designated as the Special District of Science, Technology and Innovation of Medellín. The city is known for its strong industrial, commercial, and cultural role in Colombia.

Geography

Medellín is located in the Aburrá Valley at about 1,500 metres above sea level in the Andes. The city lies in northwestern Colombia and is surrounded by mountains.

History

Medellín was founded in 1675 and originally developed as a mining town. It later grew rapidly in the 20th century as transportation links and industrial activity expanded.

Economy

The city became a major industrial centre, with activity in sectors such as textiles, steel, food processing, metallurgy, automobiles, chemicals, and rubber products. It has also been an important commercial hub for coffee and other trade.

Culture and identity

Medellín is widely associated with the nickname 'City of the Eternal Spring' because of its mild climate. It is also known for its cultural institutions, urban development, and reputation as a major Colombian city.

Key facts

  • Medellín is Colombia’s second-largest city after Bogotá.
  • It serves as the capital of Antioquia department.
  • The city is situated in the Aburrá Valley in northwestern Colombia.
  • Medellín was founded in 1675 as a mining town.
  • The city developed into an important industrial and commercial centre.

Frequently asked questions

What is Medellín?
Medellín is a major city in Colombia and the capital of Antioquia department.
Where is Medellín located?
It is in the Aburrá Valley in northwestern Colombia, in the Andes Mountains.
How large is Medellín?
Its population was 2,427,129 in the 2018 census, and its metro area has more than 4 million people.
When was Medellín founded?
Medellín was founded in 1675.
Why is Medellín called the City of the Eternal Spring?
The nickname refers to its mild, spring-like climate throughout the year.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medell%C3%ADn
    Supports: Official designation, city status, location, population, metro area, and general overview.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Medellin-Colombia
    Supports: Geography, founding date, economic development, industrial base, and population context.
  3. Colombia Travel — https://www.colombia.travel/en/medellin
    Supports: Climate nickname and general cultural identity.