Monday, March 9, 2009

El Peñol, Antioquia


El Peñol was founded in 1714 in a river valley among the rolling green mountains of central Colombia. For two and a half centuries, not much happened in the quiet ranching and farming community, until the government decided to build a hydroelectric dam. In 1978, the government demolished the town and a constructed a "Nuevo Peñol" on higher ground. Today, the new town of neat houses and streets covers a hillside above the water.


The 5,500-acre reservoir is now a popular weekend getaway spot for Medellín residents looking to boat, fish, or relax on the shore with beer and a barbecue. The ruins of old Peñol lie deep below the surface, only a giant cross poking above the surface marks the town church.

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About This Blog

I'm a freelance journalist based in Medellín, Colombia, developing my photography skills by posting regular photo reports on the country. For more information, visit: www.kennethfletcher.info

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