Colombia’s Comuna 13 Medellin: Street art, escalators and night tours

Comuna 13 in Medellín, Colombia, has transformed from a violent, cartel-controlled slum into a thriving global tourist destination. The area is now known for its street art, public escalators, and cultural tours.
Why it matters
This transformation serves as a case study in urban renewal and the potential for tourism to revitalize historically marginalized and dangerous communities.
The wider city of Medellín was once known as a violent city during the height of cartel activity in the late 20th century. Photo / Gary Nunn
The article is a travel feature that provides a descriptive and positive account of urban development.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in