Parque Berrío is a historic public square in downtown Medellín’s La Candelaria district, long considered the traditional heart of the city. It sits beside Plaza Botero, where the city installed 23 bronze sculptures donated by Colombian artist Fernando Botero in 2002 as part of a downtown renewal project, including “La Gorda,” one of the best-known pieces in the collection.
The square is framed by some of Medellín’s most significant civic buildings, including the Museum of Antioquia to the west and the Metropolitan Cathedral, and it sits directly above the Parque Berrío metro station on Line A, making it one of the most accessible public spaces in the city center.
As an outdoor public plaza, Parque Berrío is free and open at all times, with vendors, benches, and shade trees drawing steady foot traffic throughout the day. A quick loop past the sculptures takes about 10 to 15 minutes, but visitors combining it with the adjoining Museum of Antioquia typically spend closer to two hours in the area. Mornings, before the midday crowds build, are the best time to visit.
