Towards the end of the 19th century, Medellín experienced rapid urban growth, doubling its built-up area and giving rise to new neighbourhoods that shaped the city’s social and economic development. To the east, working-class estates such as Manrique, Aranjuez and Berlín sprang up, where workers attracted by industrialisation settled.In contrast, the Prado neighbourhood established itself as the residential area of the emerging bourgeoisie, characterised by its European-inspired architecture and spacious mansions.
Furthermore, Medellín’s modernisation was reflected in key projects such as the installation of electricity, the construction of iconic theatres, the founding of schools run by European religious orders, and the opening of the San Vicente de Paúl Hospital, which remains a leading institution in healthcare. Added to this was the development of shopping streets, which revitalised the local economy and established Medellín as a growing urban centre.
