Happy TravellerEl Carmen de Viboral, also known as The Snaky Carmen, is a small town and municipality located in the department of Antioquia, Colombia. It is situated in the subregion of Eastern Antioquia, approximately 54 km (34 mi) away from Medellín, the capital city of the Antioquia department. Although a small town, El Carmen de Viboral is well-known for its handcraft ceramics that date back to the 19th century.
Ceramics have been an integral part of El Carmen de Viboral’s history since the arrival of Eliseo Pareja in the 1870s. He discovered the richness of the region in terms of feldspar and quartz, which are fundamental minerals in the fabrication of ceramics. The ceramics of El Carmen de Viboral combine the indigenous and Spaniard tradition along with the aspirations of the Americans. They are unique to the region and the world. No two ceramic pieces are the same, as everything is uniquely hand-painted.
Visitors to El Carmen de Viboral can witness first-hand how the ceramics and other handicrafts are made. Many shops in the town allow visitors to see the entire process of how the ceramics are made and painted. There are also many markets in the town where visitors can purchase different types of ceramics and other handicrafts.
Apart from ceramics, El Carmen de Viboral is also renowned for its beautiful landscapes. The town is surrounded by rolling green hills, lush forests, and stunning lakes. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk in the town’s many parks or take a hike in the surrounding hills and mountains. The town also has several churches and museums that showcase the region’s history and culture.
In conclusion, El Carmen de Viboral is a hidden gem in the Antioquia department of Colombia. Visitors can enjoy the town’s beautiful landscapes, history, and culture, along with the opportunity to observe how the unique ceramics are made. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the region.
