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Published: November 18th 2012
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A Romantic Town After taking the longest South American tunnel whose crossing cost us 12,400 pesos, we were ready to enjoy the beauty of such a famous destination. For me, the quaint colonial Santa Fe is synonymous with spas and swimming pool areas; I don't know whether it was the tropical climate, the nice breeze or the lush green vegetation of the surrounding mountains, but as soon as I got there I longed for swimming and a suntan. That's right, sometimes, I wonder whether I got the Michael Jackson's change of skin color as I am far from the ''negro" they used to call me... anyways, the sun in Santafe is quite killing and to know that the city offers a large array of spas and big hotels with swimming pools to freshen up is like an oasis in the hottest desert. yeah, cool!
Rich Heritage History has it that Santafe de Antioquia was the capital of the department until 1826 when it was moved to Medellin. In those times, it would take two hours to travel from Santafe to Medellin; now thanks to modernity and the futurist vision of
those paisas, that distance is reduced by more than half owing to the construction of a tunnel that happens to be the longest and most modern in South America. Although it is a long ride, listening to the radio station -setup on purpose for the travellers- one can enjoy the security offered during the journey.
Being in Santafe takes you back in time to the past ages as the town has managed to preserve the desired historic beauty. Lovely Spanish balconies, whitewashed colonial buildings dating to the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, cobblestone streets, and antique plazas are there to remind you of those remote quiet ways of living... or I must say, even of the horrible inquisition and slaving days. All in all, the place looks like a movie set without exaggeration.
The old colonial centre looks much as it did during the 1800's, with narrow streets, and pretty plazas full of old Santa Fe de Antioquia is one of Colombia's most beautiful colonial towns (almost as beautiful as the more visited Villa de Leiva in the north of Colombia). It occurs to me that just getting to this
colourful area will show you how exactly life was in previous ages, but prove it for yourself, hurrying up and enjoying those historic center pueblo strolls might be what you just need right now.
Santafe, founded in 1541 by Jorge Robledo, has a lot to offer; a proven fact is the large number of tourists either from Medellin (who are sure to be there over the weekend) or other regions in the country. Combined with the colonial past, it is a delight to see the day-to-day activities of the town: You can't miss the vendors who gently offer you exotic fruits or the old men playing cards and reminding you that life is too complicated to get worried.
Sightseeing in Santafe Lovely historical cathedrals and churches, plazas and palaces displaying beautiful traditional Spanish architecture, and an interesting cemetry are there to make it quite worth a visit to Santa Fe de Antioquia. And if you do not have much time to spare, let me tell you that an hour would do to cover the whole city, what is certain is that it would be a
very relaxing hour.
The Western Hanging Bridge, which is one of Colombia's national monuments, was one of the first suspension bridges in my country. Located between the municipalities of Olaya and Santa fe de Antioquia, the bridge was built entirely of wood. It is a must, believe me.
And for those who are more adventurous, they can go on nearby hikes, horseback riding to explore some of Antioquia's countryside. There are also tours offering waterfall treks and canopy adventures, and tour organisers make the visit less complicated by picking you up at your hotel in Medellin and offering you lots of activities to enjoy this beautiful destination.
Where to sleep? I understand the people from Medellin who, longing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Santafe for a one day trip; the town makes it quite worth it to spend one day there or even the whole weekend. If that is the case, let me tell you that various small colonial hotels in the town, including upmarket, colonial and some quite popular for
backpackers, are there to ensure that your trip remains unforgettable. Some of the hotels advertise bathing sites and let me tell you that there is lots of marketing for couples, wonder why!
How to get there from Medellin? Several bus companies notably Gómez Hernández and Sotraurabá. offer frequent buses and busetas (minibuses) which would take about one hour an a half to reach the destination. The bus would leave you at the main square which is the Plaza Mayor where you can start your strolls right away.
Well, that's all I have to say about Santafé de Antioquia. I hope you have enjoyed reading this entry and if you happen to have a comment or questions, I would do my best to answer it. If you go there, it is certain that you would agree with me about all the awesome views you experience over there.
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