ESSENCE OF COLOMBIA
The Colombian Marseille
In a world of overcrowded landmarks, some places still hold the luxury of being undiscovered. Marsella, Risaralda, is a town where time slows down, offering a glimpse into the heart of the Coffee Cultural Landscape before the rest of the world catches on. Discover the quiet magic of Colombia’s own ‘hidden’ Marseille.
Table of contents
1. Introduction
How do we begin writing about a town that has yet to realize its own potential? We start precisely with that magic—the kind so many places across the globe have lost after being pushed to their limits as tourist destinations. Think of Paris, Venice, or Pamplona and its San Fermín festivals… those iconic spots you, dear reader, surely recognize and might already be planning when to visit.
Named just over a century ago in honor of the French city of Marseille, this town lacks the sea, but it is instead embraced by a World Heritage site: our stunning Coffee Cultural Landscape.
The Journey: From the Pearl of the Otún
to the Mountains
Your journey will begin in Pereira—a young, brave, and daring city that emancipated itself a few decades ago from the governance of a nearby city, now its sister. At this point, you might think you could spot Marsella as your plane begins its descent; however, what you will see from the very start are the coffee plantations that surround this entire region.
The town of Marsella sits at the same altitude as Pereira; nevertheless, you must cross a mountain during a journey of approximately 40 minutes. I will pause here for a first recommendation: those 40 minutes are not because the town is geographically far, but because the road has enough curves to ensure your trip is slow and calm. Otherwise, you might experience a bit of motion sickness—though nothing a top-quality ‘tinto’ won’t cure once you arrive.
A Scenic Stop and a Botanical Welcome
Speaking of your stomach, you will see a very busy restaurant area along the way. However, I suggest you keep going, as lunch can be even more pleasant in the main square of Marsella. That said, if you are truly hungry, do not hesitate to stop—the food here is delicious.
After passing these restaurants, the views truly begin. This is what we came for. The landscapes are so spectacular that I am certain you will stop several times to take photos. Just be careful! The road is narrow in some spots, so it is best to find a safe place to park.
We have arrived! We enter through a road that circles the town but invites us directly to experience nature up close at the Alejandro Humboldt Botanical Garden. As the local mayor’s office describes it, this is a place conceived and built from the simple landscape of nature—a space worthy of both scenic and cultural admiration. Go inside; there is nothing better to work up an appetite than a walk through nature.
The Heart of the Town: Sunday at the Main Square
We arrived at the main square of Marsella: small, bustling on this Sunday, filled with motorcycles, Jeeps, and tourists wandering through every corner of the village. With hunger setting in, the search focused on finding a good restaurant, and the quickest move was to Google the most recommended option.
That is how we found La Estancia, located right in the main square. We were pleasantly surprised to find a place with excellent and typical flavors of the region. The dishes? A ‘sancocho trifásico’ (a hearty three-meat stew) and a ‘bandeja paisa’. Please, try both dishes, and if you are feeling curious, I invite you to explore even more of the menu.
History in Every Hallway: The House of Culture
Once your stomach is full, just three houses away, we find a large, ancient house that is very famous in the region—it is common to see photos of your friends in this very spot. The House of Culture of Marsella is a site that started, as in many other towns in the Coffee Region, as the main school of the village. It was founded in 1910 and, indeed, it is over 100 years old. I don’t want to tell you everything there is to see here; I hope you discover for yourselves how much history is hidden within its hallways.
The Golden Rule: Coffee and Dessert
I have a question for you: what is the one thing you can never miss on a trip through the Coffee Region? Don’t forget that after lunch or at the end of a journey, a coffee and a dessert are always the tradition. The next search should be for a place that inspires both aroma and tranquility, which is why I always recommend seeking out smaller spots. Traditionally, coffee shops here have been small, which also makes them more private; remember, you are looking to activate your senses, and it is best when the surroundings don’t distract you.
We spotted this place on our way into Marsella, so I kept it in mind for our departure. About 10 to 15 minutes after leaving the town, you will find Café Kasa Origen. There, you will find great coffee, excellent pastries, and a perfect view of the coffee landscape.
Now you have Marsella on your map of must-visit places in the Coffee Region. Come, enjoy, explore, and discover one of the best coffee towns in the entire region.