Angelópolis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Angelópolis
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Municipality and town
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Location of the municipality and town of Angelópolis in the Antioquia Department of Colombia
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 Angelópolis
Location in Colombia
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| Country |  Colombia |
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| Department |  Antioquia Department |
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| Subregion | Southwestern | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 86 km2 (33 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 1,950 m (6,400 ft) | |
| Population
(2015)
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| • Total | 8,946 | |
| • Density | 104.0/km2 (269.4/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time) | |
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Angelópolis is a small town and a municipality in the Antioquia Department of Colombia. It's like a small county with its main town. It is located about 48 kilometers (30 miles) from Medellín, which is the capital city of Antioquia. The total area of Angelópolis is 86 square kilometers (33 square miles).
Contents
History of Angelópolis
The story of Angelópolis began with a priest named Joaquín María Giraldo. He is known as the first pioneer of the area. Early settlers came looking for gold, much like in other parts of southwestern Antioquia.
Later, in 1887, two siblings, Joaquín and Petrona Franco, decided to build a small chapel. They built it on a mountain ridge they called "Los Ángeles," meaning "The Angels." Father Joaquín María Giraldo was with them and suggested the name "Angelópolis" for the new settlement. This name, meaning 'City of Angels,' stuck forever.
Angelópolis officially became a district in 1896. It has kept this status ever since. The town is next to the beautiful El Romeral natural reserve. This reserve is a natural border with the nearby municipality of La Estrella. It's a great place for ecotourism and hiking, with many rivers and lots of plants and animals.
Quick Facts
- Founded: June 16, 1887
- Became a Municipality: July 13, 1896
- Founders: Joaquín María Giraldo, Joaquín and Petrona Franco
- Nickname: "Land of the Angels"
Climate
Angelópolis has a mild climate.
- Highest temperature: 23 °C (73 °F)
- Lowest temperature: 18 °C (64 °F)
Geography
Angelópolis is connected by roads to several nearby towns. These include Heliconia, La Estrella, Caldas, Amagá, Titiribí, Armenia, and Medellín. The town's name, Angelópolis, was given by Father Joaquín María Giraldo. The town's patron saints are the Holy Angels, which is why it has such a heavenly name.
Population Information
| Historical population | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1912 | 3,578 | — |
| 1918 | 4,117 | +15.1% |
| 1938 | 4,936 | +19.9% |
| 1951 | 5,315 | +7.7% |
| 1964 | 6,309 | +18.7% |
| 1973 | 6,135 | −2.8% |
| 1985 | 6,100 | −0.6% |
| 1993 | 6,479 | +6.2% |
| 2005 | 7,641 | +17.9% |
| 2018 | 9,180 | +20.1% |
In 2018, the total population of Angelópolis was 9,180 people.
- Most people, about 7,168, live in the main town area.
- About 2,012 people live in the countryside around the town.
- In 2005, about 78.7% of the people could read and write.
People in Angelópolis generally live long lives:
- Men: around 70 years
- Women: around 77 years
Most of the people in Angelópolis are of mixed European and Indigenous heritage (Mestizos) or White.
Getting Around
You can travel to and from Angelópolis by bus or minivan. These services connect the town with Medellín and Caldas.
Economy
Angelópolis is known for its mining, especially for coal. But it also has other important ways of making money:
- Mining: They dig for coal, sand, clay, and magnesium.
- Farming: Farmers grow coffee, sugarcane, and plantains.
- Livestock: People raise cattle (cows) and pigs.
- Handicrafts: Some people make saddles and other gear for horses and mules.
Festivals
Angelópolis celebrates several fun festivals throughout the year:
- Mineral Festival: Held from December 7 to 9.
- Festival of the Virgin of Carmen: Celebrated on July 16.
- San Isidro Festival: Also takes place in July.
Food
When you visit Angelópolis, you can enjoy typical food from the Antioquia region. A famous dish is the Bandeja paisa, which is a big plate with different kinds of food. Barbecues are also very popular!
Places to Visit
- Alto del Romeral: This is an official ecological reserve. It's a large wooded area of 900 hectares (about 2,200 acres). It's located near Caldas, La Estrella, and a part of Medellín called San Antonio de Prado.
- Quebrada La Ramírez: This stream has beautiful waterfalls in the El Matadero area.
- Ecological Trails: There are many trails with thick forests and lots of plants and animals. The path between Angelópolis and Caldas is especially nice.
- Coal Mines: You can see where the coal is mined.
- Parochial Church of the Holy Angels: This is the main church in the town.
- Old Antioquia Railway Warehouses: These are old buildings from the time of the railway.
See also
In Spanish: Angelópolis para niños
