Edificio Coltejer - A tall building with a sky background
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Edificio Coltejer

4.5
·9k reviews·Medellín, Colombia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Edificio Coltejer - A tall building with a sky background

Edificio Coltejer

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(9k reviews)

"Surely the Coltejer building represents one of the three most iconic buildings in the whole Colombian national territory."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Needle

The Iconic Needle

Medellín's tallest building, a striking 70s brutalist masterpiece shaped like a sewing needle.

Reddit
Downtown Hub

Downtown Hub

Ground floor

Find numerous shops and ATMs, a convenient spot for quick errands.

Reddit
Textile Industry Symbol

Textile Industry Symbol

Represents Medellín's rich history in clothing and fabric manufacturing.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Heart of Medellín

Edificio Coltejer, a needle-shaped icon, stands in a bustling downtown area. Be aware that the surrounding streets can be busy and feel unsafe to some visitors, so stay alert and keep valuables secure. Reddit

Beyond the Facade

While the exterior is striking, the building primarily houses shops and ATMs. For a deeper appreciation of its architectural significance, consider exploring nearby historical sites or museums that offer context on Medellín's urban development. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Looking for interesting architecture in Medellín

📸 Capture the Needle

Best views are from surrounding streets; try different angles for unique shots. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Stay Aware

The area can feel unsafe; keep an eye on your belongings and surroundings. Reddit

reddit.com

El desconocido último piso del edificio Coltejer.

💰 Exchange Rates

Money exchange rates inside might not be the best; compare prices. Reddit

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Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Needle

Best views are from surrounding streets; try different angles for unique shots. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Stay Aware

The area can feel unsafe; keep an eye on your belongings and surroundings. Reddit

💰 Exchange Rates

Money exchange rates inside might not be the best; compare prices. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(9k reviews)

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. Reddit

"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

Iconic needle shape
Brutalist masterpiece
Central downtown location

What People Dislike

Surrounding area safety
Limited interior access

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Generally, photography from public spaces is allowed. However, be respectful of private businesses on the ground floor and avoid intrusive photography. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Services

The ground floor of Edificio Coltejer hosts a variety of shops, including clothing stores, small retailers, and essential services like ATMs. Reddit

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. Reddit

Absolutely, Edificio Coltejer has multiple ATMs on its ground floor, providing convenient access to cash for shoppers and visitors. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Architectural Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by unique architecture, Edificio Coltejer is a must-see. Its needle-like silhouette and brutalist style offer a striking visual experience. While interior access is limited, appreciating its form from various angles in the surrounding urban landscape provides ample photographic and observational opportunities. Consider researching the building's history and its connection to Medellín's textile industry beforehand to enrich your visit. Reddit

Budget Travelers

Edificio Coltejer itself is free to view from the outside, making it an excellent free attraction in Medellín. The ground floor offers access to ATMs and various shops, which can be useful for quick errands without incurring extra costs. While the surrounding area can be busy, it's a central point that connects to other parts of the city via the efficient and affordable Metro system. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance

Edificio Coltejer, completed in 1972, is a landmark of Medellín's architectural landscape. Its distinctive sewing needle shape was a bold design choice for its time, reflecting the city's strong ties to the textile industry. The building is a prime example of brutalist architecture, characterized by its raw concrete surfaces and imposing geometric forms. It was designed to be the headquarters of the Coltejer textile company, symbolizing the industry's prominence in the region. Reddit

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. Reddit

Navigating Downtown Medellín

The area surrounding Edificio Coltejer is the bustling downtown district of Medellín, a hub of commercial activity. Visitors will find a dense concentration of shops, businesses, and public services. The Parque Berrío Metro station is a key transit point nearby, making it relatively easy to access via public transport. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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