Bello, Colombia
Region: Antioquia
Geographic Coordinates: 6.333300, -75.566700
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 30.0°C (59°F to 86°F)
Climate: Bello has a tropical climate with consistent temperatures throughout the year and a rainy season from April to November.
Population: 495483
Language: Spanish
Bello is a city located in the northwestern region of Colombia, Specifically in the department of Antioquia. It is only 10 kilometers away from Medellin, Which is the capital city of Antioquia. The city has a vibrant culture, Friendly people and beautiful landscapes that attract many tourists. One of Bello’s most notable attractions is the Parque de las Luces or Park of Lights. This park features sculptures and fountains that are illuminated by stunning displays of lights throughout the night.
The park also hosts various cultural events and concerts throughout the year, Making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Another popular attraction in Bello is La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, Which was once home to Simon Bolivar – one of South America’s most important historical figures who played an instrumental role in liberating several countries from Spanish rule. Visitors can tour his former residence and learn about his life and legacy.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Bello offers several options including hiking trails through lush forests, Mountain biking routes with breathtaking views, And even paragliding over scenic valleys. The nearby Cerro Quitasol mountain provides an excellent opportunity for hiking enthusiasts to explore nature while enjoying panoramic views. Bello also has a diverse culinary scene which includes traditional dishes such as bandeja paisa (a hearty platter featuring beans, Rice, Meat, Plantains) as well as international cuisine such as sushi or pizza. There are plenty of restaurants serving delicious food at affordable prices throughout the city.
The people of Bello are warm and welcoming to visitors from all over the world. They take pride in their community spirit which can be seen through various events such as their annual flower festival where locals decorate their homes with colorful flowers creating a picturesque view for visitors to enjoy. Bello offers something for everyone whether you’re interested in history or outdoor adventure activities or simply want to immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine. With its friendly people, Beautiful landscapes, And rich cultural heritage, Bello is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Colombia.
- Parque Principal de Bello: This is the main park in Bello and a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy outdoor activities.
- Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario: This beautiful church is located in the center of town and a popular destination for tourists.
- Museo de Antioquia: Located just outside of Bello, this museum houses a collection of art from the region.
- Parque Arví: This nature reserve offers hiking trails, zip lining, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Plaza de Mercado de Bello: This bustling market is a great place to sample local cuisine and shop for souvenirs.
- Casa Museo Maestro Pedro Nel Gómez: The former home of renowned Colombian artist Pedro Nel Gómez has been turned into a museum showcasing his work.
- Catedral Nuestra Señora del Carmen: Another beautiful church located in downtown Bello that attracts visitors with its stunning architecture.
- Mirador Cerro Quitasol: A lookout point offering panoramic views of Medellín and the surrounding valley.
- Manufacturing: There are several manufacturing companies in Bello that produce textiles, clothing, footwear, and other consumer goods.
- Agriculture: The region surrounding Bello is well-known for its agricultural production of coffee, bananas, sugarcane and other crops.
- Construction: In recent years, the city has experienced significant growth with new residential and commercial buildings being constructed.
- Retail: There are many small retail shops selling various products such as electronics, appliances, furniture, clothing and food.
- Services: Banks, insurance companies healthcare providers (clinics/hospitals), education institutions (schools/universities), hotels/restaurants/tourism services etc., contribute to the local economy.
In general terms manufacturing is the main industry driving Bello’s economy followed by agriculture which provides employment opportunities to residents thereby improving their standard of living.
- The foundation of Bello: Juan de la Cruz Gómez founded Bello on December 12, 1676.
- The Battle of Bello: During the Colombian War of Independence in 1813, Spanish royalists clashed with Colombian patriots in a battle that took place in Bello.
- Francisco Antonio Zea: A key figure in Colombia’s independence movement, Zea was born in Bello and made significant contributions to politics and journalism.
- Pedro Nel Gómez: One of Colombia’s most important artists, Gómez was born in Bello and gained fame as a painter, sculptor, and muralist.
- The Medellín Cartel: Although based out of nearby Medellín during the 1980s and early 1990s, the infamous Medellín Cartel had considerable influence over Bello as well.
- La Feria de las Flores (The Flower Fair): This annual festival celebrates Antioquia’s flower industry through parades, concerts, cultural events, and more.
- The Paisa Culture: As part of Antioquia’s Paisa region which has its own distinct culture including food (such as bandeja paisa), music (including vallenato), dance (such as salsa), architecture (with colorful houses known as zócalos), and more.
- Casa Museo Tulio Ospina showcases the life and works of renowned Colombian artist, Tulio Ospina.
- Parque Principal de Bello is a popular public park for locals to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
- Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario is a historic church with stunning architecture dating back to the 18th century.
- Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín (MAMM) located in nearby Medellín is definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in modern art.
- Monumento al Campesino pays tribute to hardworking farmers of Colombia’s Antioquia region.
- Parque Ecoturístico El Salado, just outside of Bello, offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views of surrounding mountains.
- Casa de la Cultura Luis Eduardo Nieto Arteta hosts exhibitions, workshops, and performances showcasing local art and culture.
- Plaza Cívica Alcalde Jesús María Valle Jaramillo is home to several important government buildings as well as a statue honoring former mayor Jesús María Valle Jaramillo.
- Biblioteca Pública y Parque Cultural Débora Arango Pérez named after one of Colombia’s most celebrated female artists hosts events ranging from book clubs to concerts.
- Teatro Municipal Enrique Buenaventura hosts plays, concerts, dance performances, and other cultural events throughout the year.
- Bello FC: This professional football club was founded in 2016 and is based in Bello. The team competes in the Categoría Primera B, which is the second tier of Colombian football.
- Deportivo Bello: Another football club based in Bello that was established back in 1948. This team has played several seasons at the highest level of Colombian football -the Categoría Primera A-.
- Club Deportivo Atlético Nacional: Although not based specifically within Bello but rather Medellin (the capital city of Antioquia), it’s worth mentioning as it’s one of Colombia’s most successful clubs with an enormous following throughout the country and beyond.
- Voleibol Club de Antioquia: This volleyball club represents not only Belo but also other municipalities within Antioquia department -it has been one of Colombia’s most successful volleyball teams for years- with both men’s and women’s divisions competing at national level championships.
- Festival de la Cultura: This festival celebrates the cultural diversity of Bello with music, dance, theater performances, and art exhibitions.
- Feria de las Flores: This flower festival is celebrated every August in Medellin which is close to Bello. It features colorful parades, flower shows, concerts, and fireworks.
- Fiestas del Agua: This water festival takes place in December where people splash water on each other to celebrate the end of the year.
- Festival Nacional del Pasillo: This music festival honors pasillo music which originated from Colombia’s Andean region.
- Semana Santa: Holy Week is celebrated throughout Colombia with processions and religious ceremonies.
- Carnaval de Negros y Blancos: This carnival takes place in January in Pasto which is a few hours away from Bello by bus or car. It features colorful costumes and traditional dances that reflect the Afro-Colombian culture of the region.
- Festival Internacional de Tango: This tango festival takes place every year in Medellin where tango enthusiasts come together to enjoy workshops, concerts, and dance performances.
- Festival del Maíz y la Panela: This corn and panela (sugar cane) festival celebrates traditional Colombian food with cooking competitions, tastings and live music performances.
- Bandeja Paisa: This is a traditional Colombian dish that consists of beans, rice, ground beef, chorizo sausage, chicharrón (fried pork belly), plantains, avocado and a fried egg.
- Arepas: These are corn cakes that can be filled with cheese, meat or vegetables.
- Patacones: These are fried plantain slices that are often served as a side dish.
- La Fonda Paisa: This is a popular restaurant in Bello that serves traditional Colombian dishes like bandeja paisa and sancocho (a soup made with chicken or beef).
- El Rancherito: This restaurant specializes in grilled meats like steak and chicken.
- La Brasa Roja: This chain restaurant serves rotisserie chicken with sides like rice and beans.
- El Palacio del Pollo: Another rotisserie chicken restaurant known for its flavorful marinade.
- Donde Chalo’s Parrilla Bar & Restaurant: A cozy spot for grilled meats and seafood dishes.
- Restaurante El Tucán de Oro: A family-run establishment serving classic Colombian cuisine like empanadas and tamales.
- Los Galenos Parrilla Bar & Restaurant : Known for its delicious steak cuts such as lomo fino y churrasco along with other tasty grilled options such as chorizo and morcilla sausages
- Parque Principal de Bello – a large park with green spaces, playgrounds, and a central fountain.
- Parque Ecoturistico El Refugio – a nature reserve with hiking trails, bird watching, and picnic areas.
- Parque Lineal La Presidenta – a linear park along the Medellin River with walking paths and bike lanes.
- Complejo Deportivo Tulio Ospina – a sports complex with soccer fields, basketball courts, and swimming pools.
- Biblioteca Publica y Parque Cultural de Bello – a cultural center with libraries, art exhibitions, and workshops.
- Centro Comercial Puerta del Norte – a shopping mall with cinemas, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- Plaza de Mercado Central de Bello – an open-air market selling fresh produce and local handicrafts.
- Museo Arqueologico y Etnografico de Bello – a museum showcasing the history of indigenous cultures in the region.
