Thirteen Routes in Colombian Department Added to the World Map of Religious Tourism

Thirteen municipalities in the Colombian department of Antioquia, including its capital Medellin, have officially joined the Global Religious Tourism Network. This marks a significant milestone for the international projection of Antioquia as a religious tourism destination. The newly recognized sites will have the opportunity to be featured in portfolios distributed in Europe, Asia, and North America.

This achievement is the result of collaborative efforts between local authorities, tourism teams, and religious communities, with the support of the Antioquia government and its "Antioquia es Magica" strategy. The process to gain this international recognition began in 2024, with the nomination of these municipalities to the Global Network of Religious and Spiritual Tourism Destinations.

This is the culmination of a broader initiative launched in 2024, the Network of Religious and Heritage Destinations of Antioquia, aimed at showcasing the region's religious, cultural, and architectural heritage to promote faith-based tourism. Joining the network now puts Antioquia on par with other religious tourism destinations like Cartagena and Buga.

Each of the thirteen destinations boasts unique features. For instance, La Estrella, located at 1,775 meters above sea level, offers a route dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquira, with a 40-minute travel time from Medellin. Similarly, Girardota's Route of the Fallen Lord, at 1,425 meters, provides a journey through significant landmarks, also reachable in 40 minutes.

The department's Tourism director, Oscar Sanchez, emphasized that this inclusion will highlight the architectural and historical wealth of these locales, integrating all 25 municipalities within the department's tourism network. The Global Religious Tourism Network, promoted by the Tourism and Society Think Tank in collaboration with partners, serves as a global platform for connecting destinations, organizations, and experts in religious and spiritual tourism.

Members gain access to educational resources and sustainable tourism practices that respect cultural and religious heritage.