Finding Tranquility in Jericó: A Small Town Escape from the Bustle of the Big City

As the city lights faded into the distance, and the towering skyscrapers gave way to rolling hills and lush greenery, I found myself on a journey to Jericó, a charming municipality nestled in the southwest subregion of Antioquia, Colombia. Known as "La Atenas del Suroeste" or "The Athens of the Southwest," Jericó promised a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Jericó: A Glimpse into its Past

Jericó, originally named "Aldea de Piedras" due to the abundance of stones in the nearby river, has a fascinating history. It was renamed "Aldea de Felicina" in 1852 in honor of the patriot José Félix Restrepo. Finally, in 1853, it adopted the name "Jericó," inspired by the biblical Jericho, the first city the Israelites encountered upon entering the Promised Land.

The town was founded by Santiago Santamaría Bermúdez de Castro and officially became a municipality in 1852. Jericó's rich history includes being the second town in Antioquia to have electric lighting and the fifth in all of Colombia. It even had its own currency-issuing bank in 1902. In 1908, Jericó separated from Antioquia to become its own department, with Jericó as its capital. The town has produced numerous renowned figures, including Santa Laura de Jericó (Laura Montoya Upegui), Héctor Abad Gómez, Manuel Mejía Vallejo, and many others.

Primal Roots

Jericó's history also extends to its precolonial past. While there are few clear records of this era, it is believed that the Cori people inhabited the region, specifically areas like La Mama, El Chamí, Patios, Palenque, Volcán Colorado, and Patio Bonito. These indigenous people, classified as Caribe-Chocó-Emberá-Chamí, practiced monotheistic religion and relied on hunting, fishing, and tropical agriculture for sustenance. Their culture included pottery, weaving, and spinning.

The Spanish Conquest and Colonization

The Spanish conquistadors, including Don Juan Badillo and Don Francisco César, arrived in Jericó in the mid-16th century. However, they did not settle in the region due to the absence of significant gold deposits and the dense, unexplored jungles that covered the mountainous terrain.

The colonization of Jericó began in 1825 when a group of eleven individuals proposed buying the unclaimed land in the southwest of Antioquia. By 1835, the government granted land rights to the surviving four applicants, marking the start of the colonization of the region.

Don Juan Santamaría Isaza, Don Gabriel Echeverri, Don Alejo Santamaría, and Don Juan Uribe Mondragón, among others, led the colonization efforts. They eventually established "Aldea del Piedras" in 1850, which later became the city we know today.

Jericó Today: A Blend of Culture and Nature

Visiting Jericó today is like stepping into a time capsule that beautifully combines history, culture, and nature. The town offers a plethora of attractions, including:

• Santa Laura de Jericó's Birthplace: Explore the house where Santa Laura de Jericó, a significant religious figure, was born.
• Museum of Religious Art: Discover 16 stunning chapels and religious artifacts that are considered treasures.
• Cemetery Park: A unique park with a serene atmosphere.
• Center of History: A beautiful heritage house where Jericó's history comes to life.
• Museo MAJA, Casa Museo José Tomás Uribe Abad, and Museo Casa de la Música: Explore these cultural gems.
• Jardín Botánico and Cerro El Salvador: Nature lovers can hike through these beautiful areas.
• Teatro Santamaría and Santuario del Inmaculado Corazón de María: Visit these architectural marvels.

Jericó's main square is one of the most picturesque in Antioquia, echoing the region's coffee culture and its historical splendor.

In every corner of Jericó, you'll encounter captivating stories that weave together the tapestry of Antioquia's rich history, coffee heritage, and natural beauty. Jericó truly stands as a testament to Colombia's diverse and culturally rich landscape, making it the perfect escape from the fast-paced life of the big city.