Conquistadores: the neighborhood where metal comes to life
If you walk along Carrera 70 between Calles 57B and 58, the noise is not from engines or music: it is the dry thud of the hammer against steel, the hum of a grinder, and the smell of rust and welding. Welcome to Conquistadores, a neighborhood in Medellín that since the early 20th century became the epicenter of metal trades. Here there are no boutiques or specialty coffee shops; there are workshops that have passed from grandparents to grandchildren, where grilles, market carts, house structures, and even urban art pieces are forged.
For the tourist looking for something beyond the Zona Rosa, and for the young artisan who wants to learn from the masters, Conquistadores is a living museum of working-class culture. In May 2026, the neighborhood remains a magnet for collectors of industrial objects, welding students, and curious people who want to see how iron is transformed into a craft. This article takes you street by street, workshop by workshop, so you understand why this place deserves a visit.
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The industrial DNA of Conquistadores
Conquistadores was born as a working-class neighborhood in the mid-20th century, when Medellín was industrializing at full speed. Textile and metal-mechanic factories settled nearby, and workers built their houses with large patios to set up workshops. Over time, the tradition consolidated: fathers taught their children the art of electric and autogenous welding, and the neighborhood filled with small family forges.
Today, although the city has changed, Conquistadores maintains its essence. According to data from the Mayor's Office of Medellín (2025), more than 60% of commercial premises in the quadrant between Carrera 68 and 72, and between Calles 56 and 60, are metal-mechanic workshops. It is not an "Instagrammable" neighborhood in the traditional sense, but it is one of the few places where you can see a fourth-generation artisan bending a sheet of steel with their hands, with no help other than an anvil and fifty years of experience.
Fun fact: many of the grilles you see on the balconies of El Poblado and Laureles came from these workshops. The welders of Conquistadores are famous for their "artistic grille" designs, which combine security with aesthetics, and are sold to construction companies throughout the city.
What to do in Conquistadores
There are no parks with fountains or shopping centers here. The main activity is to tour the workshops, talk to the masters, and, if you feel like it, order a piece. I recommend these experiences:
Visual tour of historic workshop facades
The best route starts at Carrera 70 with Calle 57B. Walk slowly and look at the facades: many have hand-painted signs from the 1960s, with names like "Taller El Indio" or "Soldadura Don Carlos". Some workshops still use the original wooden doors, worn down by use. Do not enter without greeting; the welders are friendly, but they value respect. If you see someone working, you can stop and watch from the door. Most will smile at you and ask if you need anything.
A must-see spot is the Workshop at Carrera 70 # 57-32, where wrought iron market carts have been made since 1972. The owners, the Giraldo brothers, are the third generation of welders. They accept visits if you arrive before 11:00 a.m., when the noise of the grinders is not so loud.
Short interviews with fourth-generation welders
Do not expect formal interviews. Here is what I heard on a recent visit:
- Don Luis (72 years old, Taller San José): "My grandfather started with a forge and coal. Now we use MIG welding, but the technique is the same: patience and a steady hand. The most beautiful thing I have made was a structure for a swing in a park in Envigado."
- Carlos (34 years old, Taller El Maestro): "Young people come to ask how it is done. Sometimes I teach them for free if I see they have the desire. The hard part is not welding, it is reading a blueprint."
- Marta (50 years old, Taller La Forja): "I am one of the few female welders in the neighborhood. Gender does not matter here; what matters is that you are not afraid of fire."
Gallery of iconic pieces
On the sidewalks of Calle 58, between Carreras 70 and 71, the workshops display their work. Look for these pieces:
- Artistic grilles: Designs with scrolls, flowers, and geometric figures. Prices from $80,000 COP per square meter (reference prices from May 2026).
- Market carts: Classic wrought iron ones, with solid rubber wheels. From $120,000 COP.
- Structures for planters: Steel supports for vertical gardens. Ideal for food establishments or houses with a terrace.
- Decorative figures: Animals, 3D letters, and even mini abstract sculptures. Ask at the Workshop at Carrera 70 # 58-15, where a welder makes butterfly and hummingbird figures on commission.
Where to eat or drink nearby
After walking among iron and oil, the body craves something hearty. Conquistadores is not a gastronomic area, but there are classic working-class neighborhood options:
- Restaurante La Esquina del Soldador: At Carrera 69 with Calle 58. Bandeja paisa ($15,000 COP), chicken sancocho ($12,000 COP), and ice-cold soda. Open Monday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Panadería El Metal: At Calle 57B # 70-20. Beef empanadas ($2,500 COP each) and freshly baked pandebono. Ideal for a quick breakfast before touring workshops.
- Tienda Doña Rosa: At Carrera 70 # 57-40. Sells cold beer ($3,500 COP), water, and sodas. It has a small table on the sidewalk where you can sit and rest.
How to get there and transportation
Getting to Conquistadores is easy from any point in Medellín:
- Metro: Get off at Estadio station (Line A). Walk 10 minutes south along Carrera 70. Or use Suramericana station (Line A) and walk 15 minutes north.
- Bus: Take any bus that says "Conquistadores" or "La América" from the city center. Ask the driver to drop you off at Carrera 70 with Calle 57B.
- Taxi or Uber: From El Poblado it costs about $15,000 COP (10-15 minutes in light traffic). From Laureles, $8,000 COP.
- By car: There is parking at Carrera 70 # 57-50 (cost $5,000 COP per hour). The streets are narrow, so it is better to come by public transport.
Local tips
To make your visit safe and productive, follow these tips from those who live and work here:
- Hours: Workshops are open Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturdays only until 1:00 p.m. Sundays they do not work. If you want to see activity, arrive between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
- Safety: Conquistadores is a quiet neighborhood during the day, but as in any industrial area, do not leave valuables in sight. Avoid walking alone after 7:00 p.m., when the workshops close and the streets empty out.
- Clothing: Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you do not mind getting dirty. The workshop floors have metal shavings and oil. If you bring a camera, protect it from dust.
- Language: Most welders only speak Spanish. If you are a foreigner, bring basic phrases like "How much does it cost?" or "Can I look?" Gestures and a smile work just as well.
- Responsible purchasing: If you want to order a piece, bring a photo or drawing. Prices are negotiable if you pay in cash. Do not haggle aggressively; fair treatment is valued here.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take photos in the workshops?
Yes, but always ask permission first. Most welders agree if you explain you are a tourist or student. Avoid using flash, as it can distract the worker while handling a dangerous tool. If you want to make a video, ask if you can record without interrupting.
How much does a custom welding design cost?
It depends on the size and complexity. A simple 1-square-meter grille can cost between $80,000 and $150,000 COP. A decorative figure like a 30 cm hummingbird starts from $40,000 COP. Prices are reference from May 2026 and may vary depending on the material (steel, wrought iron, or aluminum). Always ask for a written quote before ordering.
Are there workshops that offer courses for beginners?
There are no formal schools, but some masters teach by the hour if they see interest. Ask at Taller El Maestro (Carrera 70 # 57-30) or Soldadura Don Carlos (Calle 58 # 70-12). The approximate cost is $30,000 COP per hour, and you must bring your own gloves and safety glasses. Classes are in Spanish and practical: you will learn to cut with an angle grinder and make basic welding points.
Historical or contextual introduction
The history of welding in Medellín is deeply rooted in the city's industrial transformation. At the beginning of the 20th century, the arrival of new technologies and industrialization drove the need for technical trades, including welding. This craft became a key tool for the development of the city's infrastructure and the creation of #us factories and workshops that emerged at the time. The first generations of welders were mostly men who learned the trade through experience and observation, passing their knowledge from fathers to sons.
Over time, welding went from being a manual job to a technical profession, with the introduction of more advanced methods and the specialization of its practitioners. Today, Medellín has an active community of welders, who not only keep the tradition alive but also innovate in techniques and materials. The welding workshops on Carrera 70 are witnesses to this evolution, where the sound of the hammer and the heat of the torch continue to set the rhythm of a craft that has endured over the years.
Furthermore, it is important to mention that welding is not just a technique for joining metals; it has become an art in the hands of many, who see it as a form of creative expression. Some workshops in the area specialize in creating sculptures and works of art, which adds an additional aesthetic value to this craft.
If you are interested in learning more about the world of welding in Medellín, here are some insider tips: