Berr铆o Park, Medellin
Berr铆o Park is more than just an urban plaza; it's a vibrant meeting place for locals and a significant landmark for visitors. Originally established in 1649, the park was initially referred to as the Main Square, serving as a gathering point for parishioners before and after attending the Eucharist. However, between 1784 and 1892, the plaza transformed into a bustling public market, bearing witness to numerous executions and significant political announcements.
A pivotal moment in the park's history occurred on June 29, 1895, when the statue of Pedro Justo Berr铆o, a prominent conservative politician and former governor of Antioquia, was inaugurated. This event led to the renaming of the square to Berr铆o Park. The statue, created by Italian artist Giovanni Anderlini in Rome, is a fitting tribute to Berr铆o, featuring symbols of a shield, cane, and sword, along with an inscription commemorating his integrity and modesty. The statue's pedestal also bears his birth and death dates.
The park has seen several changes over the years. Initially, it featured a stone basin from 1789, later replaced by the city's first metal water fountain in 1853. Interestingly, this fountain was relocated to the Jos茅 F茅lix de Restrepo plaza when the Berr铆o statue found its place.
In addition to the notable Berr铆o statue, Berr铆o Park boasts several captivating sculptures. "The Challenge," a striking bronze and concrete sculpture standing at 18 meters tall, was generously donated by Banco Popular in 1981 and crafted by Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt. In the south-west corner, you'll find the "Female Torso," an iconic bronze sculpture by the renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero, affectionately known as "La Gorda" (The Fat Lady). La Gorda, gifted to the park in 1987, was Botero's first large bronze sculpture donated to Colombia. It stands 3.3 meters high and 2.4 meters wide, facing the Bank of the Republic.
Additionally, across the park, you can explore two captivating murals depicting the history of Antioquia, created by the talented Colombian artist Pedro Nel G贸mez in 1956.
A pivotal moment in the park's history occurred on June 29, 1895, when the statue of Pedro Justo Berr铆o, a prominent conservative politician and former governor of Antioquia, was inaugurated. This event led to the renaming of the square to Berr铆o Park. The statue, created by Italian artist Giovanni Anderlini in Rome, is a fitting tribute to Berr铆o, featuring symbols of a shield, cane, and sword, along with an inscription commemorating his integrity and modesty. The statue's pedestal also bears his birth and death dates.
The park has seen several changes over the years. Initially, it featured a stone basin from 1789, later replaced by the city's first metal water fountain in 1853. Interestingly, this fountain was relocated to the Jos茅 F茅lix de Restrepo plaza when the Berr铆o statue found its place.
In addition to the notable Berr铆o statue, Berr铆o Park boasts several captivating sculptures. "The Challenge," a striking bronze and concrete sculpture standing at 18 meters tall, was generously donated by Banco Popular in 1981 and crafted by Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt. In the south-west corner, you'll find the "Female Torso," an iconic bronze sculpture by the renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero, affectionately known as "La Gorda" (The Fat Lady). La Gorda, gifted to the park in 1987, was Botero's first large bronze sculpture donated to Colombia. It stands 3.3 meters high and 2.4 meters wide, facing the Bank of the Republic.
Additionally, across the park, you can explore two captivating murals depicting the history of Antioquia, created by the talented Colombian artist Pedro Nel G贸mez in 1956.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Medellin. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Berr铆o Park on Map
Sight Name: Berr铆o Park
Sight Location: Medellin, Colombia (See walking tours in Medellin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Medellin, Colombia (See walking tours in Medellin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Medellin, Colombia
Create Your Own Walk in Medellin
Creating your own self-guided walk in Medellin is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Medellin Introduction Walking Tour
Nestled in the heart of the Aburr谩 Valley, Colombia's second-largest city, Medell铆n, is also known colloquially by its nickname "The City of Eternal Spring" earned by its pleasant climate, ideal for outdoor activities. In recent years, having shed its troubled reputation under Pablo Escobar, the notorious drug lord in the 1980s and early 1990s, this South American metropolis has... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles