Fredonia is a Colombian municipality located in the department of Antioquia, located about two hours south of Medellin. It shares its borders with several neighboring municipalities, to the north with Venecia, Amagá, and Caldas, to the east with Santa Bárbara, to the west with Tarso and Jericó, and to the south with Támesis, Valparaíso, and La Pintada.
In addition to being a small hub for industry and commerce, Fredonia has also been the birthplace of many illustrious figures in the realms of art and culture. Among them, notable artists and poets like Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt and Efe Gómez have emerged from this municipality.
One of the most famous icons associated with Fredonia is the coffee brand Juan Valdez, whose real name is Carlos Sánchez. He served as the advertising face of Colombian coffee for 37 years, representing it with classic Colombian symbols such as the poncho, carriel, Antioquian hat, and his trusted mule, “Conchita.”
History of Fredonia
The name “Fredonia” has an interesting origin, coming from a suggestion made by the English engineer Tyrrel Moore, who proposed the English word “freedom” to name the town. Fredonia is not only the municipal center but also includes several surrounding hamlets, including La Mina, Marsella, and Palomos, as per the Departmental Management.
Historically, the region where Fredonia is located was inhabited by an indigenous nation, the Senufanáes, long before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. Hernando Rodríguez de Sousa, a captain under Jorge Robledo’s command, led an expedition in 1540 to explore the region that would become Fredonia, along the Cauca River. However, the conquistadors moved on quickly as they found no gold.
Officially, Fredonia was founded in 1828 in an area called “Guarcito,” which was owned by Cristóbal Uribe Mondragón. For this reason, Cristóbal Uribe Mondragón is officially recognized as the town’s founder. He was born in the then-called Villa de la Candelaria de Medellín, moved to Amagá, where he married Tiburcia Toro, and later became the grandfather of the renowned General Rafael Uribe Uribe. In 1830, Fredonia was elevated to the status of a municipal district when it had a population of 3,372 inhabitants.
Things to Do in Fredonia
Fredonia offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in natural beauty, cultural heritage, or religious sites, there’s something for everyone to explore in this charming Colombian municipality. Let’s explore the various things to do.
Parque Principal Jaime Isaza Cadavid
Located on sloping terrain, this central park features the Santa Ana church and various sculptures. The upper section houses public establishments and banks, while the surrounding area has bars, cafes, discos, and trees.
Parque Ecológico Cerro Combia
Historically used by muleteers, this park features a stone path dating back to the 18th century that leads to Jericó. In the middle of the hill, you’ll find the Grotto of the Virgin of Lourdes, and at the summit, the Cristo Rey and the Holy Cross.
Parque de Cristo Rey
This park offers the best panoramic view of Fredonia, allowing you to take in the entire town’s beauty. It’s also a place of religious pilgrimage, centered around the Christ the King statue with outstretched arms and a protective gaze, originally from Italy and dating back to 1923.
Corregimiento de Marsella
The chapel in the Marsella district serves as both a tourist attraction and a religious site. The local priest, Father Mario Mejía Escobar, is renowned for his healing abilities and is believed to perform miracles, drawing pilgrims in search of his healing powers.
Monumento a La Madre
This plaster sculpture by the Fredonia artist Ramón Elías Betancourt is a notable landmark. It’s located at a walking distance from the parque principal.
Museo Casa Anzoátegui
This colonial house museum showcases a collection of pre-Columbian objects, including items made of basketry, goldsmithing, and ceramics found in the region. The museum is named in honor of General José Antonio Anzoátegui, a Venezuelan hero from the Battle of Boyacá, which sealed Colombia’s independence on August 7, 1819.
Getting to Fredonia from Medellín
Getting to Fredonia from Medellín is relatively straightforward, with several transportation options available. Here’s a brief overview of how to reach Fredonia:
Bus: You can take a bus to Fredonia from Medellín. Flota Fredonia LTDA is one of the bus companies that provide this service. Their ticket office is located at Taquilla 17 in the Terminal de Transportes del Sur, Medellín. The journey from Medellín to Fredonia typically takes around 2 hours.
Private Car:
You can also drive to Fredonia using your private vehicle. The town is accessible via various roads, including Puente Iglesias, Venecia, Piedra Verde, and Santa Bárbara.
