The hillside you are looking across is part of Comuna 13, a place that has undergone one of the most radical urban transformations in modern history. This neighborhood was once considered the most dangerous district in the world, caught in a multi-sided conflict between cartels, local gangs, and paramilitary groups. Today, it is a global symbol of social resilience and "social urbanism," where the city of Medellín used architecture and infrastructure to reclaim areas previously abandoned to violence. One of the most striking features of this community is its verticality. Because the houses are built so densely on steep terrain, traditional streets often give way to narrow staircases and zig-zagging alleyways. To solve the problem of isolation, the city famously installed massive outdoor escalators just a short distance from here, which replaced a climb equal to that of a 28-story building and effectively "stitched" the community back into the rest of the city. Looking closely at the rooftops and balconies, you’ll notice a large, brightly lit shrine featuring the image of a woman. This is a tribute to the Virgin of Guadalupe, a central figure in Catholic devotion throughout Latin America. In Colombian "barrios" like this one, such shrines are often community hubs rather than just private altars. They represent a blend of religious faith and a plea for protection in a place that has seen deep hardship. It is common for residents to maintain these shrines with fresh flowers and lights as a sign of collective hope. The architecture itself tells a story of "informal" growth. Most of these houses are built from exposed red brick and corrugated metal sheets. For much of its history, this area grew without formal city planning; residents built their homes one room at a time, often starting with just a small brick foundation and adding levels as their families grew or as they saved enough money for more materials. The "unfinshed" look of many buildings—with rebar sticking out of the tops of walls—is actually intentional, allowing owners to easily add another floor in the future. The lush green mountains in the distance provide a sharp contrast to the dense brick urban sprawl. These peaks are part of the Aburrá Valley, which cradles Medellín. While the valley's beauty is undeniable, the geography historically contributed to the social divide, as the wealthiest residents lived on the flat valley floor while the displaced and the working class were pushed higher and higher up these steep, difficult-to-service hillsides.