Edificio Coltejer

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Architecture

La Candelaria

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Location

Calle 52 #42
La Candelaria, Medellín

Office Hours

7am to 6pm
Monday to Saturday

Closed
Sunday & Holidays

Official Website

coltejer.com.co

Tallest Building in Medellin

One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, standing testament to its rich past and progressive vision, is the Coltejer Building

One structure that stands out, not just for its height but also for its historical and cultural significance — the Coltejer Building. As one of the largest buildings in the city, this architecture is a testament to Medellín’s industrial past and its forward-looking vision. Dominating the cityscape, it serves as both a beacon of the region’s textile legacy and a symbol of urban transformation. For visitors and locals alike, the Coltejer Building is more than just a structure; it’s a proud emblem of Medellín’s resilience and evolution.

This main church of the Archdiocese of Medellín is impressive to see and visit. You can even attend one of its masses since it is held at various times throughout the day, every day of the week.

Brief History

The Coltejer Building is intrinsically linked with the Coltejer Company, one of Colombia’s oldest and most significant textile companies. Founded in 1907 by Alejandro Echavarría, Santiago Echavarría, and Carlos Echavarría, the company played a pivotal role in the industrialization of Medellín and Colombia as a whole.

Over the years, the growth of the company necessitated a landmark that could serve as its headquarters, mirroring its stature in the Colombian industrial landscape. Thus, the idea of the Coltejer Building was born.

About the Architecture

Completed in 1972, the Coltejer Building stands 175 meters (574 feet) tall and has 36 floors; Coltejer held the title of being one of the tallest buildings in Colombia for several decades until 2016. It was designed by the renowned architects Raúl Fajardo Moreno, Aníbal Moreno, and Jorge Manjarrés, who were inspired by the Brutalist architecture movement which gained prominence in the mid-20th century.

The tower’s design resembles the shape of a sewing needle, symbolic of the textile heritage of the Coltejer Company. The slender structure pierces the Medellín skyline, with its linear patterns and robust facade echoing the principles of Brutalism – raw, unpretentious, and functional.

Its location in El Centro allows it to be a strategic point of convergence, bridging the old with the new, and offering panoramic views of the sprawling cityscape and the surrounding Aburrá Valley.

Economic and Cultural Significance

Beyond its architectural grandeur, Edificio Coltejer holds a special place in the economic history of Medellín. As the headquarters of the Coltejer Company, the building became a symbol of the city’s rapid industrial growth in the 20th century. It stands as a testament to Medellín’s evolution from a small regional center to a booming metropolis.

Moreover, the building has also played a significant cultural role. For many Medellín residents, the Edificio Coltejer is not just a building; it is a source of pride. It has been showcased in many music videos and movies

While new skyscrapers now decorate the skyline of Medellin, few possess the distinct cultural and historical significance of Edificio Coltejer. More than just bricks and mortar, this building tells the story of a city’s growth, its industrial heritage, and it’s undying spirit. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or a traveler looking for iconic spots, the Edificio Coltejer should undoubtedly be on your Medellín itinerary.

Coltejer Today

Today, the Coltejer Building is not just an office space. It has transformed into a cultural and historical icon. Its corridors and spaces narrate stories of Medellín’s industrial era, its challenges, and its triumphs. The building also often plays host to art exhibitions and cultural events, further establishing its status as a nexus between the past and the contemporary.

The ground floor of Coltejer you can find Bancolombia, Davivienda, Banco AV Villas, ATMs, Money Exchanges and few other financial, printing stores.

The second floor of Coltejer you can find a coffee shop, breakfast at De Lolita as nice restaurant to grab coffee or breakfast.

Travel Tips & FYI

Coltejer is right on Junin blvd which is a nice little shopping district. You can find some nice stuff to buy and alot of local shopping malls for cheap shopping experience. Astor is on Junin if you’re looking to take a break from walking around, they serve one of the best chocolates in Colombia also ice cream and coffee too.

Getting There & Parking

Metro: From Poblado take the Metro line A (northbound) towards Niiquia and get off Parque Berrio then walk (5 min) east, or you can just look up and you will see the Coltejer building and just start walking towards it. The street you should be on will be called La Playa. Coltejer will be on your left.

Metro Bus: Take the MetroPlus bus to La Playa and when you exit the station you can just look up and you will see the Coltejer building.

Taxi / Uber: You can ask any driver to take you to the Coltejer building all the locals know it, or you can ask to take you to Oriental y La Playa in Centro and they will drop you off half a block from the building, its about 1 min walk to Coltejer from the corn of Oriental y La Playa.