Santa Fe de Antioquia is regarded as the historic cradle of Antioquia, having been its first capital and one of the most important settlements during the colonial era. Fray Joaquín de Finestrad described the region with amazement, stating: “Everything is laden with gold; it is the most wretched of all, in proportion to the wealth it holds for the Spanish Crown.” This phrase reflected the paradox of a territory abundant in resources, yet subject to great hardships.
The Spaniards mined the gold deposits on Buriticá Hill and along the River Cauca, whilst facing constant attacks from the indigenous communities defending their territory. Despite its importance as a mining centre, it was a small and austere settlement compared with other colonial towns of the time.
Walking through its cobbled streets is like travelling back in time. The colonial houses, with their adobe and lime-washed façades, clay-tile roofs and large windows with wooden bars, evoke this city’s glorious past. Their imposing colonial gates invite you to step into the landscaped gardens, where the true essence of this place – which seems frozen in time – lies hidden.
