Berrío Park, Medellin

Berrío Park is more than just an urban plaza; it's a vibrant meeting place for locals and a significant landmark for visitors. Originally established in 1649, the park was initially referred to as the Main Square, serving as a gathering point for parishioners before and after attending the Eucharist. However, between 1784 and 1892, the plaza transformed into a bustling public market, bearing witness to numerous executions and significant political announcements.

A pivotal moment in the park's history occurred on June 29, 1895, when the statue of Pedro Justo Berrío, a prominent conservative politician and former governor of Antioquia, was inaugurated. This event led to the renaming of the square to Berrío Park. The statue, created by Italian artist Giovanni Anderlini in Rome, is a fitting tribute to Berrío, featuring symbols of a shield, cane, and sword, along with an inscription commemorating his integrity and modesty. The statue's pedestal also bears his birth and death dates.

The park has seen several changes over the years. Initially, it featured a stone basin from 1789, later replaced by the city's first metal water fountain in 1853. Interestingly, this fountain was relocated to the José Félix de Restrepo plaza when the Berrío statue found its place.

In addition to the notable Berrío statue, Berrío Park boasts several captivating sculptures. "The Challenge," a striking bronze and concrete sculpture standing at 18 meters tall, was generously donated by Banco Popular in 1981 and crafted by Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt. In the south-west corner, you'll find the "Female Torso," an iconic bronze sculpture by the renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero, affectionately known as "La Gorda" (The Fat Lady). La Gorda, gifted to the park in 1987, was Botero's first large bronze sculpture donated to Colombia. It stands 3.3 meters high and 2.4 meters wide, facing the Bank of the Republic.

Additionally, across the park, you can explore two captivating murals depicting the history of Antioquia, created by the talented Colombian artist Pedro Nel Gómez in 1956.