Pablo Escobar’s notoriety garnered much interest both before and after his death approximately 26 years ago. The Colombian drug lord marked criminal history by amassing a jarring $58 billion dollar USD fortune through his time as the leader of the Medellin cartel. Under his rulership, the cartel leader managed to monopolize the trade of cocaine from Colombia to the United States. Often called “The King of Cocaine,” Escobar garnered the title of the wealthiest criminal in history.
RELATED: 15 Unbelievable Facts About Pablo Escobar
Most recently, Escobar’s story was revived via the popular Netflix series Narcos wherein his life was explored. The series caused for Pablo Escobar to reacquire public interest and even led to distinct fandom from its viewers. Fans of the Pablo Escobar story can today find a slew of memorabilia on the web. Relatedly, some take things to the next level by traveling to Medellin to relive the story highlights in real-time. If you happen to be one of these devoted Narcos fans, then you may find this list of 10 Escobar-related things to do in Medellin helpful.
Before we dive in, it is important to note that many Colombians hold negative feelings towards the deceased Cartel leader. As such, many do not recommend tourists do Pablo Escobar-related things (i.e: the Pablo Escobar tour) out of respect for the people).
10 Cementerio Museo De San Pedro
This cemetery and museum highlight the lives of several key Colombian figures. While it does not provide much information on the life and death of Pablo Escobar, it does provide greater context into the figures who were alive during his time.
Along with being beautiful, this museum is perfect for acquiring insight into famous Colombian figures and their contribution to the country.
9 Museo De Antioquia
Looking into the history of Pablo Escobar also means taking a look at the history of Colombia. As such, the Museo de Antioquia may be considered a good option for any history buff. This museum features all of Colombia’s key historical moments and more.
It is also home to a slew of reputable national and international works by famed artists. Allow yourself to immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture and history through an assisted or self-guided tour.
8 Casa De La Memoria
Much like the Museo de Antioquia, tourists interested in Pablo Escobar’s story may be interested in visiting the Casa de La Memoria as well.
This museum takes a look at notable Colombian figures as well as the history of armed conflict in Colombia. It provides an in-depth insight into the numerous events Colombia has gone through to be what it is today.
7 Monaco Building
This touristic site is known as Escobar’s “criminal fortress,” where he and his family resided during the 1980s. According to the Independent, the Monaco building is where Escobar lived while amassing a significant portion of his fortune (approximately $30 billion dollars USD) from the cocaine trade. The residence included twelve apartments, two swimming pools, a tennis court, 34 parking spaces, and a panic room.
RELATED: 15 Spine-Chilling Facts About The Colombian Cartel
Although this place was once a highly-coveted touristic spot, it was recently demolished. The Colombian government coined the Monaco Building as a “sign of evil” and has plans of turning the land into a park and memorial museum. You may thus still visit the area, but this time, this specific part of history “will not be written in service to the victimizers, but in recognition of the victims.“
6 Barrio Pablo
This Medellin neighborhood makes for the poorest in Colombia. Moreover, Pablo Escobar invested a significant amount of money in this place. While many considered it to be an attempt to sway the favors of its local habitats, it remains one of the few places in Medellin where Escobar is admired and seen as “Robin Hood” like figure.
RELATED: 15 Things Narcos Got Wrong About Pablo Escobar’s Life
Additionally, the Narcos series was shot closeby; hence, any fan may appreciate visiting this area to acquire a deeper look into this part of the druglord’s history.
5 Jardines De Montesacro Cemetery
This serene burial location is where the remains of the world’s most notorious drug lord can be found. The site is niched in the south of Medellin, very close to where Escobar was raised. Despite the mixed feelings present within the people of Colombia, it has been reported that flowers of tributes are still left to the deceased at his graveside.
Moreover, many of Pablo Escobar’s associates, along with other notorious criminals, are also buried in this cemetery, including Griselda Blanco (alias the Cocaine Godmother).
4 Comuna 13
Many assisted tours are available to visit this neighborhood, which was also once part of Colombia’s darker history. During the Escobar days, this area was considered to be one of the most violent areas in Colombia where drugs, murder, and similar violence were rampant. The area was so notorious for crime that you had to pass through guards to enter it. If you were not from the neighborhood, you could easily be denied entry.
RELATED: 15 Interesting Facts About Pablo Escobar’s Family After His Assassination
Today, this neighborhood attracts a lot of tourists due to its history and abundant street art. The area has also grown much safer than before with the implication of incoming business and commerce.
3 Los Olivos
This neighborhood is where one may find the infamous building where Pablo Escobar hid from the police before being shot. His final moments on the roof were captured and memorialized in a much-publicized photograph since then.
Tourists curious about the life of Pablo Escobar may visit this rooftop and death scene. Although the residential street attracts tourists, it is recommended to keep a low-profile during visits.
2 La Catedral
This point of interest is a must for anyone looking to get deep into the story of Pablo Escobar. You may recall the infamous prison where Escobar stayed following a 1991 agreement with the Colombian government.
Escobar agreed to surrender to the authorities and do time under the condition that he may build his own prison. The latter was to avoid extradition. La Catedral, then known as “Hotel Escobar” or “Club Medellin,” was then built and included lavish amenities like a bar, waterfall, and giant dollhouse. Today, the same prison can be visited by tourists and was reacquired by monks.
1 Casa Museo Pablo Escobar
This museum is a go-to for anyone who is curious about Pablo Escobar. The museum features a lot of Escobar memorabilia and features highlights along with explanations of the druglord’s life.
The rise and fall of Colombia’s most notorious drug trafficker is also told by Robert Escobar, his brother. You may find everything from Escobar’s classic cars, motorcycles, and other artifacts. An entrance fee of $30 USD is required to visit. Moreover, the museum is easily accessible by taxi, uber, and metro.
NEXT: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Pablo Escobar
Source: Read Full Article