Antioquia (Colombia) takes an international leap by joining the World Relig

Antioquia (Colombia) takes an international leap by joining the World Religious Tourism Network

08-08-2026

Thirteen municipalities in the Department of Antioquia, Colombia, including Medellín, have officially joined the World Religious Tourism Network as founding members. The Network, an initiative of the Tourism and Society Think Tank, represents a significant milestone in strengthening Antioquia’s international profile and positioning the Colombian region as a prominent destination for religious and faith-based tourism.

This recognition reflects the collaborative efforts of municipal governments, tourism teams, and local parishes, with the support of the Government of Antioquia and its Antioquia es Mágica initiative.

The achievement builds on a process launched in 2024 with the creation of Antioquia’s Network of Religious and Heritage Destinations, designed to showcase the region’s religious, cultural, and architectural heritage while strengthening its position as a leading destination for faith-based tourism.

Joining the Network opens up new opportunities for international promotion and the exchange of experiences with destinations around the world. Antioquia’s Director of Tourism, Óscar Sánchez, emphasized that the Network will showcase the architectural and historical wealth of these communities, while the departmental network brings together 25 municipalities.

The announcement was met with great enthusiasm. Various communities expressed their excitement on social media. In El Peñol, the local parish expressed its gratitude for the municipality’s inclusion, highlighting El Peñol as a destination rich in faith, history, and tradition. Residents of Marinilla and Rionegro also celebrated the news. This designation positions their communities firmly on the global religious tourism map.

The membership certificate ceremony was held in the municipality of Jericó, with the participation of local authorities.

Municipalities named founding members of the World Religious Tourism Network

Each municipality has its own unique identity. Below are details of their religious tourism routes, geographical characteristics, distances, and travel times from Medellín:

La Estrella: Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá Route. Elevation: 1,775 metres above sea level. Temperature: 22°C. Distance: 6.9 km. Travel time: 40 minutes.
Girardota: Fallen Lord Route. Elevation: 1,425 metres above sea level. Temperature: 28°C. Distance: 26 km. Travel time: 40 minutes.
Angostura: Blessed Father Marianito Route. Elevation: 1,870 metres above sea level. Temperature: 21°C. Distance: 106 km. Travel time: 3 hours.
Santa Rosa de Osos: Our Lady of Mercy Route. Elevation: 2,550 metres above sea level. Temperature: 13°C. Distance: 77 km. Travel time: 1 hour 40 minutes.
San Pedro de los Milagros: Miraculous One Route. Elevation: 2,475 metres above sea level. Temperature: 14°C. Distance: 35.5 km. Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes.
La Ceja: “Little Vatican of the East” Route. Elevation: 2,153 metres above sea level. Temperature: 17°C. Distance: 41 km. Travel time: 44 minutes.
Rionegro: Our Lady of Arma Route. Elevation: 2,090 metres above sea level. Temperature: 18°C. Distance: 35 km. Travel time: 48 minutes.
Marinilla: Sacred Art and Music Route. Elevation: 1,900 metres above sea level. Temperature: 19°C. Distance: 45 km. Travel time: 40 minutes.
El Santuario: St. Jude the Apostle Route. Elevation: 2,150 metres above sea level. Temperature: 16°C. Distance: 74 km. Travel time: 1 hour.
El Peñol: Piedra del Marial Route. Elevation: 2,150 metres above sea level. Temperature: 18°C. Distance: 94 km. Travel time: 2 hours 15 minutes.
Santa Fe de Antioquia: Colonial Churches Route. Elevation: 550 metres above sea level. Temperature: 28°C. Distance: 58 km. Travel time: 1 hour.
Jericó: Saint Laura of Jericó Route. Elevation: 1,950 metres above sea level. Temperature: 18°C. Distance: 108 km. Travel time: 2 hours 15 minutes.

Bringing Antioquia’s Heritage to the International Stage

Securing these memberships strengthens a comprehensive strategy to preserve the architectural heritage of Antioquia’s churches and safeguard its local traditions. Visitors will discover destinations characterized not only by devotion and spirituality, but also by the warmth and hospitality of their communities.

With this international recognition, Antioquia is strengthening its position as a global destination for faith-based and religious tourism.

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