Comuna 13
Comuna 13 – San Javier
Transformed from one of Colombia's most dangerous neighborhoods into a street art destination. Outdoor escalators climb the hillside, and murals and hip-hop performances tell the story of the community's rebirth.
Comuna 13 sits on the hillsides of western Medellín. Its official name is the San Javier district. Since the 1980s, the hillside communities here were controlled in turn by guerrillas, paramilitary groups, and drug cartels. In 2002, the government launched Operation Orion, a military offensive that caused many casualties and disappearances and remains one of the most painful memories of Colombia's conflict. The city government later built schools and libraries here. In 2011, it completed one of the world's earliest community outdoor escalator systems: six segments totaling about 384 meters, climbing steep slopes. What used to be a 350-meter staircase (roughly 28 stories) became a ride of a few minutes, and it has become a symbol of urban renewal. Today, Comuna 13 is one of Medellín's most popular attractions. The walls alongside the escalators are covered with murals by local artists on themes of peace, memory, Afro-Colombian and Indigenous culture. Along the way, street dancers perform hip-hop and breakdance, vendors sell mango biche and local craft beer, and hilltop lookouts offer views over the whole city. A graffiti tour led by residents (about 2 to 3 hours, paid per person or by tip) is strongly recommended, as they share their personal stories of the neighborhood's history, and the income goes back into the community. Getting there: take Metro Line B to the San Javier terminus, then transfer to the J Line cable car or a community minibus such as the 225i. Walk to the escalator entrance after getting off. A taxi takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The tourist areas are safe during the day. Do not wander alone into alleys beyond the escalator zone, and do not photograph residents who do not want to be photographed. The map coordinates point to the outdoor escalators.
Opening hours
Escalators about 06:00–22:00; guided tours mostly 09:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Estadio Atanasio Girardot
- Laureles & La Setenta
- Cerro de las Tres Cruces
- Cerro El Volador
- Cerro Nutibara / Pueblito Paisa
- Parque de los Pies Descalzos
- Plaza Minorista José María Villa
- Museum of Modern Art of Medellín (MAMM)