The original town of El Peñol was flooded in 1978 to facilitate the construction of the Guatapé hydroelectric dam.
The replica's architecture, particularly the church, was designed based on photographs and the memories of local residents who lived in the original town.
The site serves as a permanent memorial to the historical trauma and cultural displacement experienced by the local population during the dam construction.
The colorful facades utilize traditional Antioquian 'zócalos'—relief carvings on the lower parts of walls that depict local history, legends, and daily rural life.
The interior of the replica church features religious iconography reclaimed from the original submerged building.
La Réplica del Viejo Peñol is a detailed recreation of the original town of El Peñol, which was submerged in the late 1970s to create the Peñol-Guatapé hydroelectric reservoir. The site features a central plaza modeled after the original town square, complete with a replica of the San Miguel Arcángel church. Visitors encounter colorful colonial-style architecture, cobblestone streets, and traditional balconies painted in bright, contrasting colors. The plaza houses several small museums, galleries, and cafes reflecting the local heritage and artisan traditions. The site stands as a cultural monument to the community displaced by the flooding of the reservoir. Unlike the surrounding modern towns, the replica maintains a consistent aesthetic intended to preserve the visual memory of the pre-flood village.
The center of the main plaza facing the church, allowing for a panoramic shot of the colorful balconies and the tower.
Explore the side streets behind the main plaza to find quieter artisan shops and less crowded photo opportunities.
Visit the interior museums to learn about the history of the reservoir flooding through old photographs and personal narratives.
Avoid rushing through the plaza without visiting the small museums, as the historical context of the flooded town provides the necessary perspective for the site.
Respectful behavior is expected, especially within the church replica; modest dress is appreciated when entering religious spaces.
