Tower of Terror – What the Implosion of Pablo Escobar’s House Means
From constant stares to the occasional questioning, there has never been positive feedback for Pablo Escobar Tours.
In fact, any image uploaded to our social media that remotely alludes to he who must not be named is met with criticism.
However, six weeks ago there was an event that shocked the country and praised by Medellín locals. The implosion of the Monaco Building.
Pablo Escobar’s Monaco Building
On the evening of Wednesday, January 13th, 1988 there was a near-apocalyptic ruckus that had the residents of Santa Maria de Los Angeles (one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Medellín) fearing for their lives. The Cali Cartel had detonated a car bomb with 150 pounds of dynamite in front of the Monaco building. Then home to Pablo Escobar Gaviria and his family.
The bomb destroyed windows in a four-block radius, left 3 dead and injured 10. If that weren’t enough, this event triggered the bloodiest drug-related war the country has ever seen.
Importance of the Monaco Building
For a man that owned more than 500 buildings, the Monaco Building wasn’t the biggest or the most luxurious. But the incident in 1988 made it infamous. It made Escobar retaliate and residents of El Poblado realize that no one was safe from the violence.
But let’s fast forward to present day Medellín and the role it played in the resurgence of Medellín. The critically acclaimed Netflix series, Narcos encouraged thousands to visit Medellin but for the wrong reasons.
They visit Medellín for what is known as Narco Tourism and the general public tolerated it at first but after a while it was outraged. Swarms of groups gathered around the abandoned Monaco building in the very popular Pablo Escobar Tour.
Each day, dozens of people would stand in front of the building listening to stories and taking pictures in front of the deserted edifice. These tourists, ranging in ages, are enchanted by the tales of Escobar’s frivolous spending habits and rise to power.
Mayor Federico Gutierrez and the fall of the Monaco Building
Federico Gutierrez has been the mayor of Medellín since 2016 and has been known for his strict policy on gangs and narco-tourism. Gutierrez publicly condemned Wiz Khalifa for having his picture taken in front of the Monaco Building and punished a few public officials seen taking pictures with John Jairo Velasquez aka Popeye (former right-hand man to Escobar himself).
It was Gutierrez who ordered the implosion of the Monaco building and has openly expressed his disdain for tourists interested in Pablo Escobar.
So on February 22nd, just 1 month ago, the Monaco building fell to the ground and there are plans to build a memorial museum.
But what does this mean for Pablo Escobar’s legacy? It’s a big step towards having visitors ignore the Escobar Tours. Despite its decline, the enduring legacy of Pablo Escobar remains an enigma. However, with so much attention being given to the life of the world’s most notorious drug dealer, only time will tell if this implosion happened a few years too late. To truly understand the significance of this event, let’s take a closer look at the dramatic moment of the Pablo Escobar Monaco Building implosion and its impact on the city of Medellín, forever altering its landscape and forcing a reevaluation of its complex history.
The History Behind the Implosion of Pablo Escobar’s Monaco Building
The history behind the implosion of Pablo Escobar’s Monaco Building is a captivating tale that unravels the rise and fall of one of the most notorious drug lords in history.
Pablo Escobar, the head of the infamous Medellín Cartel, achieved unprecedented wealth and power in Colombia during the 1980s and early 1990s. The Monaco Building, located in Medellín, was a symbol of his opulence and a fortress that housed his vast fortune and secret operations.
Constructed in the late 1970s, the Monaco Building was an extravagant high-rise apartment complex that showcased Escobar’s wealth and influence. It boasted luxurious amenities, including a rooftop helipad, swimming pools, and lavish interiors. It became a hub of activity for Escobar’s criminal empire and a gathering place for his associates, politicians, and high-ranking officials.
However, the Monaco Building bore witness to the brutality and violence associated with Escobar’s illicit activities. He used the building as a stronghold, deploying an extensive security apparatus to protect his interests. The complex was heavily fortified, featuring reinforced walls, bulletproof windows, and surveillance systems, making it nearly impenetrable to outside threats.
Escobar’s reign of terror peaked in the late 1980s when his cartel controlled most of the global cocaine trade. The Monaco Building became a target for his enemies, particularly rival drug cartels and Colombian authorities determined to bring him down. Numerous assassination attempts were made against Escobar, some of which were planned within the walls of his prized fortress.
In 1988, a car bomb detonated outside the Monaco Building, leaving several people dead and numerous others injured. This incident marked a turning point in the history of the building. It became a constant reminder of Escobar’s escalating violence and threat to the Colombian government and society.
Ultimately, the implosion of the Monaco Building in 1993 was a symbolic event that signaled the end of Escobar’s reign.
With the support of the United States, the Colombian government intensified efforts to capture or eliminate Escobar, leading to a series of confrontations and a manhunt that culminated in his death later that year. The destruction of the Monaco Building served as a public declaration that the era of Escobar’s criminal empire was ending.
Exploring the Present-Day Pablo Escobar’s Monaco Building: A Fascinating Tourist Attraction in Medellin
The Monaco Building, located in the upscale El Poblado neighborhood, stands as a chilling reminder of Pablo Escobar’s reign of terror during the height of the Medellin Cartel. Once a symbol of Escobar’s wealth and power, this luxurious residence witnessed gruesome acts of violence and corruption.
It was heavily fortified with security measures such as bulletproof windows and reinforced walls to protect the drug lord and his family from rival cartels and law enforcement agencies.
Today, the Monaco Building has been transformed into an intriguing tourist attraction that allows visitors to delve into Pablo Escobar’s life and the dark era of drug trafficking. Guided tours, often led by knowledgeable local guides, take tourists on a captivating journey through the building’s corridors, revealing the secrets and stories within its walls.
The Monaco Building is a unique historical artifact, allowing tourists to gain insight into Colombia’s turbulent past. It provides a valuable educational experience, shedding light on the drug trade’s consequences and impact on Medellin’s society.
Visitors can learn about the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar, his influence on Colombian politics, and the devastating effects of his criminal empire.
Beyond its historical significance, the Monaco Building enthralls visitors with its architectural marvel. The structure, though no longer in its prime, showcases elements of opulence and grandeur that once defined Escobar’s lifestyle. The preserved remnants, including the iconic “Monaco” signage, serve as a time capsule, transporting tourists back to a tumultuous era in Colombian history.
In recent years, the controlled implosion of the Pablo Escobar Monaco Building has sparked debates and controversy, as it aimed to demolish the building and symbolically eradicate the memory of Escobar’s criminal empire.
While opinions may differ on the implosion, it opened up new possibilities for the site’s revitalization and the surrounding neighborhood, allowing for a fresh start and a symbolic break from the past.
The present-day Monaco Building is a testament to the complex history of Medellin and the indelible mark left by Pablo Escobar. As a tourist attraction, it offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the city’s past, gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of the drug trade, and witness the juxtaposition of opulence and tragedy.
