Santa Rosa de Osos

Santa Rosa de Osos is a municipality in Northern Antioquia's mountain region, located at 2,640 meters elevation and covering approximately 812 square kilometers. The terrain rises into a landscape of valleys and hills where farmland and grasslands dominate the surroundings.

The area was originally inhabited by the Nutabé indigenous people before Spanish settlers arrived in 1541. From these early encounters, a formal municipality gradually emerged and was officially established in 1814.

The townscape reflects a deep Catholic tradition visible in churches and religious buildings that have shaped community life since the diocese was established. This spiritual identity remains woven into daily routines and architectural choices throughout the municipality.

The area is agricultural in character and known for producing milk that supplies surrounding communities in the region. The municipality also manages water reservoirs, including Lakes Riogrande I and II, that provide water resources for the Aburrá Valley below.

The original name "Valley of the Bears" came from Spanish captain Francisco Vallejo, though no historical records ever documented bears actually living in the area. This naming choice created a mystery that persisted for centuries about why the territory carried such a distinctive designation.

Location: Northern Antioquia

Location: Antioquia

Inception: 1636

Elevation above the sea: 2,640 m

Website: http://santarosadeosos-antioquia.gov.co

GPS coordinates: 6.64722,-75.46056

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:32