When you think of Colombia, a few things may come to mind... Pablo Escobar's legacy of violence and drugs, Shakira's mesmerizing hips, and maybe even Sophia Vergara's thick accent on Modern Family. I bet amazing street art isn't at the top of your list. And it should be.

High-rise buildings and store-front walls alike adorn the work of urban artists in the main restaurant and nightlife hub of El Poblado.

Graffiti even graces the interior walls of trendy bars in El Poblado

and in some places, it serves as a notice.

The Colombian neighborhood of Comuna 13 (also called San Javier) was once named the most dangerous city in the world, according to crime rate reports. The government gave the neighborhood and its' people a sense of pride by installing escalators, which to help the residents commuting up and down the steep mountain.

More determined than ever to put its' drug and crime-ridden past behind it, youngsters began creating colorful murals and transformed Comuna 13 into a beautiful, peaceful place to live.

The colorful mural on the entrance of our hotel, Selina Medellín.

Although graffiti and street art often have bad wraps, they can be seen across Colombia. It's a large and respectable part of Colombian culture that's even protected by the police.

The transformative street art of Medellin is a stamp of strength, a source of pride, and a reminder that beauty and goodness can overcome.