El Castillo Museum (Museo El Castillo)

The basics

The museum offers free tours that reveal the story behind the castle—the tale begins with the wealthy Echavarria family, who donated the castle to the city of Medellin following a series of tragic events. Tours tend to offer you a glimpse into bedrooms, the dining room, and the library, all of which have been preserved just as the family left them. El Castillo Museum (Museo El Castillo) is typically featured on museum tours of Medellin and can be added to the itinerary of private, custom tours.

Things to know before you go

• A small entry fee is charged at the castle; your admission ticket includes a tour of the museum.
• The gardens of the castle are home to exotic plants and wildlife, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes if you plan to wander the grounds.
• Photography is not permitted inside El Castillo Museum (Museo El Castillo), but you’re free to take photos of the outside.

How to get there

If using public transport to reach El Castillo Museum (Museo El Castillo), take the metro to Aguacatala station and then catch a bus up the hill to the castle. To skip the stress of navigating, visit as part of a day trip.

When to get there

The castle is open from Monday-Saturday; hours vary depending on whether its a weekday or a weekend, but the museum is generally accessible between mid-morning and late afternoon, with a break for lunch.

The Museums of Medellin

Continue to satisfy a craving for culture at the must-visit Antioquia Museum (Museo de Antioquia), the first museum to be established in the region of Antioquia. The museum houses classic and contemporary works of art; the third floor is dedicated entirely to Medellin-born Fernando Botero and boasts the famous Death of Pablo Escobar Painting. Set aside at least two hours to explore this cultural palace.