Prado Neighborhood
Prado is the only neighborhood in Medellín designated as a cultural heritage site. Its facades display a range of architectural styles, including Swiss chalets, castles, and medieval-style houses. These designs were inspired by the travels of the city’s elite to Europe during the early twentieth century.
During this period, these elites constructed luxurious mansions with front gardens along wide streets, where numerous tree species continue to thrive today, adding to the neighborhood’s enchanting atmosphere. Although Prado has become less residential over the years and no longer boasts the same number of mansions, it remains an invaluable area to explore in Medellín. Its historical, aesthetic, and symbolic significance makes it a key reference point for the city’s memory and identity.
Location and Access
Prado serves as the main artery of Medellín’s downtown and is situated in comuna 10 in the central-eastern part of the city.
Getting to Prado by Metro
Visitors can reach Prado via the Prado and Hospital stations, both part of Line A of the metro.
Getting to Prado by Taxi
The distance from Medellín’s downtown to Prado neighborhood is approximately four kilometers. As of 2021, the average taxi fare to the neighborhood was 8,000 COP (about 2.11 USD). From Laureles neighborhood, the distance is around five kilometers, with an average fare of 10,000 COP (approximately 2.64 USD). El Poblado, one of the most popular areas among visitors, is located about eight kilometers away, with an average taxi fare of 13,000 COP (around 3.43 USD) as of 2020.
Tips for Visitors
- Bring your cell phone or camera with sufficient storage space. The neighborhood is filled with stunning mansions, trees, and facades, providing excellent opportunities for photography.
- Visit the neighborhood during daylight hours to feel more confident and safer. The natural light will also enhance the quality of your photos.
- While exploring, be sure to stop by Teatro Prado El Águila Descalza, an important site of architectural, cultural, and urban interest in the city.
