A Guide to Medellin’s Glorious Churches

Did you know that you can find more than 300 churches in Medellin? 

Church tours aren’t just for religious people but for beauty-seekers too! These old buildings often have big colorful windows and beautiful architecture, each unique from the others!

Lucky for you, I made a list of the best churches in Medellin! 

Keep reading to find out which are worth visiting and when the best times to visit them are.

Catedral Metropolitana de Medellín

La Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de la Inmaculada Concepción de María de Medellín, is the official name of this church. If you just started learning Spanish, then it will be a nice challenge to ask for directions to this place!

Catedral Metropolitana is a catholic church that the parish dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It’s located in the central part of the city of Medellin, in the Villanueva neighborhood, on the north side of Parque de Bolívar. It was built in 1931, and its two towers are 66 meters high.

Locals sometimes call the church the Villanueva Cathedral. They used this name in particular during its construction to help set it apart from the Candelaria Church.

During Christmas and New Year, the parish video-mapped the front of the church with excellent graphics and music! Check their calendar during this time to visit the show.

Website: https://arqmedellin.co/catedral-de-medellin/

Address: Cra. 48 #56 – 81, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria 

Like many others in Medellin, the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria is a Catholic church. The locals dedicated it to the Virgin Mary. It’s also in the center of the city of Medellin, close to the Metropolitan Basilica Cathedral, on the eastern side of Berrío Park.

This church is the oldest one in Medellin! This is the first church built in the City of Eternal Spring. However, it has come a long way since its early days. The first rendition of the church was a wooden building with a thatched roof!

It now has a colonial construction, with neoclassical style and three naves. This church was re-built in 1776 and 1997 but hasn’t undergone any construction since then.

Address: Cl. 50 #49 – 112, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

Parroquia Jesus Nazareno

The Claretian missionaries started construction on the Parroquia Jesús Nazareno in 1941 and completed it around 1953. It’s now part of the religious heritage of the city of Medellín!

Its architectural line is Gothic, with French accents. This church is said to be one of the most beautiful and outstanding among those adorning the city of Medellín. 

From the outside, you’ll see a beautiful entrance with the figure of Jesus carrying the cross. This image is meant to receive the faithful and invite them to reflect. 

Inside the church, you can see beautiful, framed images and works of art that make this church a must-visit in Medellin. 

Website: https://jesusnazarenocmfcolven.wordpress.com/

Address: Carrera 51d #6229, Medellín, Antioquia

Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Los Dolores la America

This is a Colombian Catholic church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It’s located in the La América neighborhood of Medellín and belongs to the Archdiocese of Medellin.

The building has a Neo-Byzantine style. Its floor plan is rectangular, and its interior consists of into three naves. Agustín Goovaerts designed it, and you can definitely see his flair in the architecture.

This Parroquia also hosts events for families that want to enjoy tours around Medellin and eat good Colombian foods with other Catholics. It’s a great place to meet new people and make some friends.

Website: https://es-la.facebook.com/pnuestrasenoradelosdoloreslaamerica/

Address: Cra. 84 #4487, Medellín, La América, Medellín, Antioquia

Parroquia Santa Teresita del Nino Jesus

The Parroquia Santa Teresita del Nino Jesus is a modern-style church that was built in 1951. The Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús is actually Comuna 11’s first church. After 70 years, it is still the locals’ favorite church. 

At first glance, you can tell that it’s different from the other churches in the area. The designs are neoclassical, baroque, and pseudo-gothic with Romanesque incursions. 

Inside, you can admire 14 stained glass windows representing 14 moments in the life of Jesus and the Virgin Mary in the New Testament.

Website: https://es-la.facebook.com/parroquiasantatere/about/
Address: Cl. 35 #73a-45, Medellín, Laureles, Medellín, Antioquia

Parroquia de San Jose de El Poblado

The Parroquia de San Jose is a catholic church located in front of the central park of El Poblado. This church was built in 1876. Since then, it’s undergone several renovations which make it appear as good as new!

Despite those renovations, it’s actually one of the oldest churches in Medellin. 

Red bricks make up the outside of this church, while the inside is bright white. The church holds services in both the mornings and the evenings, so if you want to swing by for religious reasons, there are plenty of times to do so.

Website: San José de El Poblado – Home | Facebook

Address: Cra. 43A #9-30, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia

Tour Medellin’s Glorious Churches

Save these places for your one-day tour of Medellin’s beautiful churches. The ones on this list are my personal favorites, but there are others to check out if you want to. 

Check their opening times, pack your lunch and take a walk admiring the architecture of these religious sites. Enjoy Medellin’s churches!