Weird & Unusual Attractions in Columbia, South Carolina, United States
1. Carcasone de Indias, Baranoa
A town entirely built from coral, showcasing a unique blend of Caribbean and Gothic architecture.
- Natural Coral Construction: The town is constructed solely out of coral, making it one of the few settlements in the world with such a distinctive feature.
- Caribbean-Gothic Architecture: Carcasone de Indias showcases a unique mix of Caribbean and Gothic architectural styles, providing a distinct aesthetic experience.
- Off-the-beaten-path Destination: Located in the less-touristed region of Baranoa, Carcasone de Indias offers a tranquil and authentic Colombian experience.
2. Crypts of San Agustin
An ancient burial ground filled with over 500 intricately carved stone sculptures representing various figures.
- Stone Sculpture Graveyard: The Crypts of San Agustin is the largest collection of religious stone sculptures in the world, offering a glimpse into ancient Colombian art and culture.
- Well-preserved archaeological site: Despite being over 500 years old, these crypts remain well-preserved, providing visitors with an unparalleled look at ancient Colombian craftsmanship.
- Spiritual and archaeological significance: The Crypts of San Agustin are a sacred site for many locals, holding deep spiritual importance in addition to their archaeological value.
3. Catedral de Sal - Zipaquira
A cathedral built entirely from salt within a subterranean salt mine.
- Subterranean Salt Cathedral: The Catedral de Sal is the only salt cathedral in the world, creating an otherworldly atmosphere within the depths of a salt mine.
- Unique Architectural Marvel: The cathedral boasts stunning underground chambers and chapels adorned with salt sculptures, offering a truly unique architectural experience.
- Spiritual Significance: The Catedral de Sal serves as a place of worship for both Catholics and visitors alike, making it an essential stop on any tour of Colombia.
4. Museo del Oro Quimbaya
A museum dedicated to the ancient golden artifacts of the Quimbaya civilization.
- Ancient Golden Artifacts: The Museo del Oro Quimbaya houses an extensive collection of gold artifacts, providing insights into the rich history and culture of the Quimbaya people.
- Well-preserved and detailed exhibits: Each exhibit in the museum is meticulously crafted and offers an intricate look at the art, technology, and society of the ancient Quimbaya civilization.
- Immersive Cultural Experience: The Museo del Oro Quimbaya offers visitors a deep and immersive cultural experience, showcasing the artistic prowess and ingenuity of an ancient civilization.
5. La Candelaria, Bogotá
A historical neighborhood in Bogotá filled with colorful colonial-style architecture and vibrant street art.
- Vibrant Street Art Scene: La Candelaria is known for its lively street art scene, showcasing works from both local and international artists.
- Colonial-style Architecture: The neighborhood features beautifully preserved colonial-style buildings, offering visitors a glimpse into Colombia's rich architectural history.
- Bustling Cultural Hub: La Candelaria serves as the cultural heart of Bogotá, teeming with art galleries, museums, restaurants, and lively nightlife.
6. Parque de los Novios
A park in Medellín where visitors can write their names and messages on padlocks and attach them to the park's fence.
- Love-themed Attraction: Parque de los Novios is a romantic attraction, symbolizing love and commitment.
- Personalized Experience: Visitors can personalize their experience by engraving their names and messages on padlocks, adding to the park's collective history.
- Peaceful and serene environment: The park offers a tranquil and peaceful setting for couples and friends to spend time together, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
7. Parque Arvi
A large nature reserve on the outskirts of Medellín, offering hiking trails and stunning views of the city.
- Natural Escapism: Parque Arvi provides visitors with a natural escape from the bustling city life.
- Hiking Trails and Wildlife: The park offers various hiking trails and is home to diverse wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
- Panoramic City Views: Parque Arvi boasts stunning panoramic views of Medellín, providing visitors with a unique perspective on the city.
8. Museo del Jade
A museum dedicated to Colombia's ancient jade artifacts and the indigenous cultures that used them.
- Ancient Jade Artifacts: The Museo del Jade houses an extensive collection of ancient jade artifacts, showcasing the rich history and culture of Colombia's indigenous peoples.
- Well-curated exhibits: Each exhibit in the museum is thoughtfully arranged and offers an in-depth look at the art, technology, and society of ancient Colombian cultures.
- Cultural Education and Preservation: The Museo del Jade serves as a valuable resource for cultural education and preservation, ensuring that Colombia's indigenous heritage is never forgotten.
9. Parque del Perro
A park in Cartagena with a large sculpture of a dog that visitors can climb on and take photos with.
- Interactive Sculpture Attraction: Parque del Perro features a large, interactive sculpture of a dog for visitors to climb on and take photographs.
- Central City Location: The park is located in the heart of Cartagena's historic district, making it easily accessible for tourists.
- Family-friendly Destination: Parque del Perro offers a fun and engaging experience for families, allowing children to explore and interact with the sculpture.
10. Ciudad Perdida
An ancient lost city in Colombia's Sierra Nevada mountains, dating back to around 650 AD.
- Historical Significance: Ciudad Perdida provides insights into the rich history and culture of Colombia's pre-Columbian societies.
- Remote Destination: Located deep within the Sierra Nevada mountains, Ciudad Perdida offers visitors a sense of isolation and adventure.
- Strenuous but Rewarding Hike: The trek to Ciudad Perdida is challenging but rewarding, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience.
11. Plaza de Toros de Santafé
A bullfighting ring in Santafé de Antioquia that dates back to the 19th century.
- Historical Bullfighting Ring: The Plaza de Toros de Santafé is one of the oldest bullfighting rings in Colombia, showcasing a unique aspect of Colombian culture.
- Cultural Experience: Visiting the Plaza de Toros de Santafé offers tourists a chance to immerse themselves in local culture and learn about Colombian traditions.
- Architectural Beauty: The bullfighting ring's neo-classical architecture is stunning, making it a sight to behold even for those not interested in bullfighting.
12. Museo del Aire
An air force museum in Rionegro that showcases Colombia's military aviation history.
- Military Aviation History: The Museo del Aire offers a unique look at Colombia's military aviation history, showcasing various aircraft and artifacts.
- Interactive Exhibits: Visitors can interact with many of the exhibits, including flight simulators and virtual reality experiences.
- Informative Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides lead informative tours of the museum, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Colombia's military aviation history.
13. Parque Explora
A science and technology center in Medellín that offers interactive exhibits and workshops.
- Interactive Science Experience: Parque Explora provides visitors with hands-on experiences in various scientific fields, such as physics, biology, and technology.
- Innovative Workshops: Workshops at Parque Explora allow visitors to engage in creative projects and learn new skills related to science and technology.
- Educational and Fun for All Ages: Parque Explora offers an educational and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages, making it a must-visit destination in Medellín.
14. Museo Casa de la Memoria
A museum in Bogotá dedicated to the victims and memories of Colombia's conflict-ridden past.
- Historical Education and Awareness: The Museo Casa de la Memoria offers visitors a chance to learn about Colombia's turbulent past and promote understanding of the country's complex history.
- Memorial to Victims: The museum serves as a memorial to victims of the conflict, honoring their lives and sacrifices.
- Inspiration for Peace and Reconciliation: Visitors can gain inspiration from the museum's message of hope and reconciliation, fostering a sense of unity and understanding among all Colombians.
15. Museo del Tule
A museum in Popayán dedicated to the indigenous Tule culture.
- Indigenous Culture Education: The Museo del Tule offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the rich and complex history of Colombia's indigenous cultures.
- Beautiful Architecture: The museum is housed in a beautifully restored colonial building, showcasing stunning architecture and design.
- Extensive Artifact Collection: The museum's collection includes various artifacts from the Tule culture, providing visitors with an immersive cultural experience.