The Rich History of Manizales
Manizales’ history is rooted in the legacy of the Arrieros (mule teamsters) and the ambitious “Expedition of 20,”pioneers who carved out a settlement in what is now the City of Open Doors. Early interest in the region stemmed from its mining potential, particularly a gray quartz-like rock known as “manizal.” The discovery of gold further fueled colonial expansion, and by 1848, Manizales was officially founded—a city built on resilience, ambition, and the dreams of its earliest settlers.
The Expedition of 20
In 1834, Fermín López established a small colony on Cerro de San Cancio (now Palermo). However, the settlement struggled to gain momentum, and its members eventually moved on in search of better opportunities.
It wasn’t until 1848 that a group of 20 poor farmers from Neira arrived and laid the foundation for what would become Manizales. These settlers dreamed of owning their own land and forging new opportunities, but their aspirations clashed with the interests of “La Compañía”—a powerful landowning conglomerate that sought to maintain control over the region.
The city’s founding defied the dominance of elite landowners like González, Salazar y Cía, who ruled through influence and exclusive privileges. As one historical account states, “It was an effort to dismantle the local dominance of chiefs and early settlers, a system built on power and political entreaties favoring the most influential.”
Manizales was born from resilience and defiance, shaping its identity as a city of pioneers determined to carve out their own future.
To learn more about the People of The Coffee Axis: http://coffeeaxistravel.com/angelo-quintero-palacio/
The Name Manizales
The Founding of Manizales
After years of conflict, a government decree finally granted land to the poor colonists, leading to the official founding of Manizales in September 1848. The settlers chose the name, and by October, the regional governor approved it.
The city’s name originates from the “maní” rock—a gray granite found in local rivers, rich in quartz, mica, and feldspar. Early settlers described the region as “un gran manizal” or “a land of many manizales.”
Economic Foundations
Throughout its history, Manizales played a critical role in Colombia’s economy. Conflicts between conservatives and liberals—fueled by church priests and fought in the streets—ultimately secured a conservative stronghold in the city.
Manizales became an essential hub for trade, facilitating the transportation of cheese to the south (Cartago), cocoa and tropical fruits to the north, and developing a strong base in commerce, cattle, coffee, and mining.
The Great Fire of 1922
One of the most infamous events in Manizales’ history was the “Incendio” (Great Fire) of 1922, which broke out at 3:00 AM due to a paraffin candle deposit in a shop. The fire spread rapidly, consuming multiple buildings.
Ironically, the worst damage affected only insured buildings, while locations such as the billiard hall, cantina, and opera house remained untouched. Only one fatality occurred: a police officer who, after working near the flames, was doused with cold water and later died of pneumonia.
The Historic Cable Aéreo
In 1912, construction began on the Cable Aéreo, an aerial cargo transport system connecting Mariquita, Tolima, to Manizales—a 72-kilometer journey that previously took 10 days but was reduced to 10 hours. Completed in 1922, the cable system operated until 1967, when roads became the preferred mode of transport.
Today, the modern Cable Aéreo is a crucial part of Manizales’ transportation system. It carries thousands of passengers daily from the main bus terminal to the historic downtown, with another line extending to Villa María, a neighboring suburb. The original Cable Aéreo tower from Tolima remains on display in the city’s Zona Rosa as a tribute to its legacy.
The Arrieros: Backbone of Manizales
Manizales was built on the hard work of Arrieros—the mule and oxen teamsters who navigated the treacherous Andean mountain roads to deliver essential supplies to early settlers. Their resilience and determination remain an integral part of the city’s heritage today.
Con Buena educacion, / With a good education
Hoy fuera un doctor de leyes. / Today went a doctor of law.
Y tengo por profesión / A I have for a profession
Ser simple encargado de bueyes. / To be simply in charge of the oxen.
This poem was recorded in “Manizales, su Historia y su Cultura, Un Antologia.”
The Culture of Manizales
Manizales is known by several nicknames that reflect its rich heritage and unique characteristics:
- The City of Open Doors
- The Pearl of Ruiz (referring to the nearby Nevado del Ruiz volcano)
- The World Capital of Coffee
- The World Capital of Water
- The University City of Colombia
Beyond these titles, Manizales stands out as one of Colombia’s cultural capitals, boasting a vibrant arts, music, and dance scene with high participation from both locals and visitors.
University Culture in Manizales
One of the city’s key economic drivers is its academic scene, with more than five major universities and numerous technical institutes. Locals often describe Manizales as having an “academic climate,” where the cool weather fosters study and contemplation.
A must-visit for nature lovers and scholars alike is El Recinto del Pensamiento, an eco-park that embodies this intellectual and reflective spirit. Arrive early for their 6:00 AM birdwatching tour, or visit in March to experience the renowned Orchid Expo.
Tango Dance Culture
One of the culture segments which is probably the most important yet the least spoken of, is Tango. A dance characterized by its technical intensity, sensuality and musicality – here it is loved as much as if it was created here and not in Argentina.
With more than a hundred years of tango culture and over 70 years of dance expression, the heart of Manizales beats along with the com-pas and connectors of this intense yet beautiful music style.
Interesting Fact: Visitors can absorb the art and romance in the ONLY calle del tango (Tango street), in the world.
For our exclusive VIP Tango Experience, send us an email at coffeeaxistravel@gmail.com for more information.
Art, Music and Poetry in Manizales
Some of the best artists in Manizales, are not very well known in Manizales. In fact, much of their art is sold and shown in the exterior of Colombia. Even so, there are many things which are well known, including an art scene which revolves around the bullfights, poetry, music and theater.
Interesting Fact: Manizales hosts the OLDEST theater festival in Latin America with more than 50 years running!
The best time to see art and culture in Manizales is during the annual “Feria de Manizales” in January, the International Theater Festival in September, the orchid expo in March, and the International Poetry Festival in August.
Interesting Fact: The theater (Teatro Fundadores) in Manizales, has the BEST acoustics in South America!
Cultural Coffee Landscape / Paisaje Cultural Cafeteria
As part of the cultural coffee landscape, Manizales is also the Capital of Coffee, in the Coffee Axis. Visitors can drink coffee in traditional cafeteria shops, on top of skyscrapers, sitting in a swing, listening to tango and in an exotic garden, in the middle of the city. The surrounding municipalities, places like Chinchina, Neira, Salamina, Aguadas, and many more, produce some of the best coffee available in Colombia today!
Visit one of the many single-origin coffee shops for unique tastes and presentations of our favorite caffeine brew. Here are 5 Different Ways to Drink Coffee: http://coffeeaxistravel.com/unique-ways-drink-coffee-manizales/
Toro Culture
Manizales is the Capital de la Fiesta Brava, or Bull Capital of Colombia. In yearly festivals, the Corrida, or bullfights, are responsible for an entire segment of the local economy which creates art, poetry, social projects and conservation of water sources. There is even a local society of Bull aficionados who celebrate the bull culture and lore in monthly meetings.
Recent years have seen massive local controversy over whether the Corrida should still be a part of Manizales culture.
Religious Monuments
One of the most famous city tours, is the cathedral tour which takes visitors up though the main Cathedral to the tip top cupola which features 360 degrees of breathtaking views of the city. The tour takes 1-2 hours depending on the physical abilities of participants. Be sure to wear comfy shoes and be careful not to overdo it. Mainzales sits at over 7,000 feet above sea level – if you have a heart condition, vertigo or pregnancy, then you might want to forgo this one.
Manizales, often joked as “having a church on every corner,” is an important religious destination in Colombia. Every year religious visitors come for the many beautiful churches throughout the older part of the city.
🚀 Ready to Move to Colombia? Avoid Costly Mistakes!
Visas, housing, healthcare, safety, and more—get the insider knowledge you need for a smooth transition! 📖✨
👉 Download the Ultimate Expat Guide Now!
Conclusion
A city of depth, dimension and culture – Manizales is unique in comparison to virtually every other city in Colombia. On the third Saturday of each month, locals can buy fresh/organic fruits, vegetables and local products at the farmers market in the parking lot of U. Caldas on the Avenida Santander.
With an elevation of 2,160 meters (7,090 feet) above sea level, visitors must take care not to do too much in the thinner air. On the other hand, we have so much to show you, that only one article is not enough – and various will be needed.
Over time we will bring you more stories and adventures about Manizales and the surrounding pueblos and cities of the Coffee Axis. Come along with us as we discover the secrets of Caldas, Risaralda and Quindio!
For more information, or to plan your own unique experience, contact us at coffeeaxistravel@gmail.com or +57 312 794 8245 via Whatsapp.
Sources:
- Manizales, Su historia y su cultura – Una Antologia (2010)
- https://www.altillo.com/en/universities/universities_colombia.asp
- https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manizales
- https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cable_Aéreo_Manizales_-_Mariquita
- Londoño, L. Manizales 1936
Get ready for an epic adventure! Pre-order Passport to Passion on August 1st for just $9.99! Dive into my wild telenovela-to-truth love story, learn how to master the secrets of Coffee Axis romance, and unlock friendship culture how-to guides for good living in Colombia! Don’t miss out—grab it now at Gumroad (a secure payment portal for selling digital materials) for a secure checkout or support new dating content on https://coffeetraveler.gumroad.com/l/LoveDatingGoodLivingColombia
Wally
April 11, 2019 at 1:45 pmThis is truly useful, thanks.