Edificio Coltejer
Medellín's iconic needle-shaped skyscraper, a 70s brutalist marvel symbolizing the city's textile heritage.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Edificio Coltejer
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Medellín's iconic needle-shaped skyscraper, a 70s brutalist marvel symbolizing the city's textile heritage.
"Surely the Coltejer building represents one of the three most iconic buildings in the whole Colombian national territory."
📸 Capture the Needle
Best views are from surrounding streets; try different angles for unique shots.
🚶♂️ Stay Aware
The area can feel unsafe; keep an eye on your belongings and surroundings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Needle
Medellín's tallest building, a striking 70s brutalist masterpiece shaped like a sewing needle.

Downtown Hub
Ground floor
Find numerous shops and ATMs, a convenient spot for quick errands.

Textile Industry Symbol
Represents Medellín's rich history in clothing and fabric manufacturing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Heart of Medellín
Beyond the Facade
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Looking for interesting architecture in Medellín
📸 Capture the Needle
Best views are from surrounding streets; try different angles for unique shots.
🚶♂️ Stay Aware
The area can feel unsafe; keep an eye on your belongings and surroundings.
El desconocido último piso del edificio Coltejer.
💰 Exchange Rates
Money exchange rates inside might not be the best; compare prices.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Needle
Best views are from surrounding streets; try different angles for unique shots.
🚶♂️ Stay Aware
The area can feel unsafe; keep an eye on your belongings and surroundings.
💰 Exchange Rates
Money exchange rates inside might not be the best; compare prices.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Edificio Coltejer is widely recognized as an iconic and architecturally significant building in Medellín, praised for its unique needle shape and brutalist design. While its exterior is a major draw, visitors note that the ground floor primarily consists of shops and ATMs, and some express concerns about the safety of the surrounding downtown area.
"Surely the Coltejer building represents one of the three most iconic buildings in the whole Colombian national territory. Located in Medellín city, and surrounded for lot of shopping centers this 70`s build will make you contemplate it for sure."
Diego Hernán Marulanda Osorio
"Great building. Very unsafe area. Police dont do enough to look for criminal types and stop and search them and demand identification. The city has become very dangerous and stop search and frisk is the only language the criminals understand. We need to pay our police a fair living wage and demand they protect us better on our very dangerous streets."
ronald wegner
"It has lots of stores and ATM on the first floor. Also a money exchange that I visit daily to see what rate they are offering on the dollar. I can usually get more at other locations"
Charlrs ChuckyD
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Edificio Coltejer is located in the heart of downtown Medellín. You can easily reach it by Metro, getting off at the Parque Berrío station, which is just a short walk away. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Parking in downtown Medellín can be challenging due to high traffic. There are some paid parking lots nearby, but it's often more convenient to use public transportation like the Metro.
Walking is a great way to explore the downtown area, but be mindful of your surroundings. Many visitors recommend using the Metro for longer distances and walking short distances between attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No ticket is required to view Edificio Coltejer from the outside. It's a prominent landmark in the city. Access to the shops and ATMs on the ground floor is also free.
As a commercial building, the exterior is visible at all times. The shops and ATMs on the ground floor typically operate during standard business hours, usually from morning to early evening on weekdays and Saturdays.
While you can enter the ground floor to access shops and ATMs, public access to the upper floors or offices is generally not permitted for tourists. The building's primary function is commercial and administrative.
While not a primary tourist attraction for interior tours, some architectural or city walking tours of Medellín might include a stop to view and discuss Edificio Coltejer's unique design and history.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light that can enhance the building's brutalist features. Weekday mornings can also be good for fewer people in your shots.
The surrounding streets offer various vantage points. Try capturing it from different angles, including from across the street or from slightly elevated positions if available.
Generally, photography from public spaces is allowed. However, be respectful of private businesses on the ground floor and avoid intrusive photography.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Services
The ground floor of Edificio Coltejer hosts a variety of shops, including clothing stores, small retailers, and essential services like ATMs.
Yes, there is a money exchange service on the first floor. However, reviews suggest that their rates might not be as competitive as those found elsewhere in the city.
Absolutely, Edificio Coltejer has multiple ATMs on its ground floor, providing convenient access to cash for shoppers and visitors.
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
While its exterior is its most celebrated feature, the building's presence in the heart of downtown Medellín has made it a recognizable symbol of the city's urban development. It stands as a testament to the architectural ambitions of the mid-20th century in Colombia.
Navigating Downtown Medellín
However, it's important to be aware that like many large urban centers, the downtown area can be crowded and some visitors have reported feeling that the streets can be unsafe. It's advisable to stay vigilant, keep your belongings secure, and be mindful of your surroundings, especially during peak hours.
Despite these concerns, the area offers a vibrant glimpse into daily life in Medellín. Exploring on foot allows you to discover smaller shops, street vendors, and the general energy of the city.
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