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Monumento a la Raza: A Tribute to Antioquian Culture

A powerful monument in Medellín's La Candelaria, celebrating the culture and heritage of the Antioquia region through striking bronze sculptures.

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The Monumento a la Raza, located in Medellín's La Candelaria neighborhood, is a striking sculpture that honors the cultural identity of the Antioquia region in Colombia. Created by Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt, the monument features a curved concrete base adorned with bronze figures, representing the area's history and people.

A brief summary to Monumento a la Raza

  • Cl. 42 #52106, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellin, La Alpujarra, La Candelaria, Medellin, Antioquia, 050015, CO
  • Visit website
  • Monday 6 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-7 pm
  • Friday 6 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the day to fully appreciate the details of the sculpture and for better photo opportunities.
  • Combine your visit with a stop at Plaza Cisneros, which is located across the street.
  • Take a guided tour to learn more about the historical and cultural significance of the monument.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Monumento a la Raza via public transport, take the Medellín Metro to Alpujarra Station on Line A. From the station, the monument is a short walk away. A single Metro ticket costs approximately 3,650 COP. You can purchase a Civica card for easier access to the metro system if you plan to use it frequently.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Medellín. Tell the driver you want to go to 'Monumento a la Raza' at Cl. 42 #52106, La Candelaria. From El Poblado, the trip is approximately 4.5 km and costs around 8,000 COP. The minimum taxi fare is about 6,300 COP. Taxi fares are calculated based on a point system that considers both time and distance.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the La Candelaria area, walking to the Monumento a la Raza is a viable option. It is located near the Alpujarra Administrative Center, at the intersection of Avenida San Juan and Carrera Carabobo. From Parque de las Luces, it's a short walk east.

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Discover more about Monumento a la Raza

The Monumento a la Raza, also known as Monumento a la Raza Antioqueña, is a significant outdoor sculpture in Medellín, Colombia, designed by the Colombian sculptor Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt. Inaugurated on May 31, 1988, in the main plaza of the La Alpujarra Administrative Center, the monument serves as a tribute to the culture and people of the Antioquia region. The monument features a crescent-like concrete structure, standing 38 meters (125 ft) tall and weighing 900 metric tons (890 long tons; 990 short tons), adorned with numerous bronze sculptures. These sculptures depict various aspects of Antioquian life, including its origins, traits, and aspirations. The monument also alludes to traditional myths such as the Harpies and the Tiger of Amalfi, as well as biblical references like the serpent, the crucified, and the angel of the Annunciation. Sarah Woods described the Monumento a la Raza as a powerful and robust work that depicts the forces of good and evil. In 2016, an urn containing a portion of Arenas' remains was placed next to the monument, honoring the artist's contribution to the city. The monument is located in the La Alpujarra area, where the Antioquia government offices are located.

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