According to the National Administrative Department of Statistics , the city had an estimated population of 2,, according to the census. In , the city was named the capital of the Department of Antioquia by the National Congress of the nascent Republic of Gran Colombia , comprised by present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama. Researchers at the Overseas Development Institute have lauded the city as a pioneer of a post- Washington consensus " local development state " model of economic development.
The award seeks to recognize and celebrate efforts in furthering innovation in urban solutions and sustainable urban development. Some of the Conquistadors , such as Gaspar de Rodas , the first governor of Antioquia, came from the region of Badajoz. Miguel Aguinaga y Mendiogoitia, Governor, made the name official on November 2, The Crown granted a coat of arms to the city on June 24, In August , Marshal Jorge Robledo was in the place known today as Heliconia when he saw in the distance what he thought was a valley.
Three years later, the Spaniards started the construction of the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria , which was rebuilt at the end of the 18th century. After , with Gaspar de Rodas settled in the valley, the population started to grow. According to the church records of the San Lorenzo Church, six couples married between and , and 41 between and Soon, the first settlers asked for the creation of a Cabildo council in the valley, thus getting a separate government from Santa Fe.
The governor Miguel de Aguinaga proclaimed the royal edict on 2 November Their first buildings were simple, with thatched roofs. The houses of the most important people were two stories tall, and the church and the Cabildo were unimpressive.
It was only during the 18th century that the church was improved. Only one story, the Cabildo was located at the western part of the plaza. It had a thatched roof until when tiles were put on. In , the first census during colonial times was taken: there were 3, people and families. Another census was not taken until the colonial Visitador royal inspector Antonio Mon y Velarde ordered one between and there were then 14, people and families.
