Imagine stumbling across a vibrant and energetic town where all the walls, window frames, stairs, and even roofs are painted in bright, intense colors and dynamically-detailed murals. Sounds like something out of a dream, right? Well, this visually electrifying place really exists—it’s a town called Guatapé, in the Antioquia Department of Colombia. Photographer Jessica Devnani happened upon this wonderful discovery while backpacking through Colombia and marveled at its beautiful colors, cobblestone streets, and tremendous views.
The paintings on the walls hold a variety of meanings. Some are used to indicate local businesses or beliefs of the residents, while others are cultural images of the community’s farming heritage. Many murals were also produced as simply eye-pleasing patterns or from sheer artistic inspiration. “Apparently it started with families painting images along the sides of their homes. This little town was an absolute pleasure to meander through and photograph,” Devnani shares.
Guatapé is also famous for El Peñon rock that towers at 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) above sea level. It is the town’s most-visited site, and by climbing atop visitors are rewarded with 360 degrees of the surrounding island scenery. “Being up there,” Devani wrote, “really makes you appreciate how beautiful our planet is.”
You can see more colorful photos of Guatapé—as well as the gorgeous views from El Peñon rock—on Devnani’s travel blog, Pink Plankton. Living and working internationally, she has traversed six different continents and “her camera has accompanied her every step of the way.”
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My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Jessica Devnani.