Attractions and Places To See in Uruguay - Top 20

There is a separate website with detailed information on history, opening hours, and services: https://catedralmontevideo.com.uy/web2/

In 1865, the enterprising businessman Pedro Sáenz de Zumarán founded a financial company that acquired the land in Montevideo Bay with the aim of building a transshipment point. The English engineer R. H. Mesures was hired without further ado to build an iron structure that was unique in South America at the time. It was a time when this type of architecture was causing a sensation in Europe with spectacular buildings such as the Eiffel Tower. In South America, there was neither the know-how nor the capacity to build such an iron temple. So the contract was quickly awarded to the Union Foundry in Liverpool, England. After the structure had been pre-assembled in England, the craftsmen were brought across the Atlantic to erect the steel framework. On October 10, 1868, after three years of construction, the Mercado del Puerto Montevideo was opened to the applause of numerous curious onlookers. Source and further information: https://www.uruguay-erleben.de/mercado-del-puerto-montevideo-das-gastronomische-kulturjuwel-in-uruguay/

Plaza Independencia is the main square of Montevideo and marks the border between the Ciudad Vieja, the historic center of the city, and the area of the center formerly known as Ciudad Nueva. The square was originally designed by the Italian architect Carlo Zucchi in 1837, when it was decided to expand the city as planned. The work was inspired by his teachers Percier and Fontaine, authors of the Rue de Rivoli in Paris. However, the square as we know it is the daughter of the changes made to the project by Bernardo Poncini in 1860. Above all, the main attraction is the Monument to Josè Gervasio Artigas, an equestrian statue dedicated to the Uruguayan national hero. A mausoleum houses an urn containing his remains. An important detail is the bas-relief of the base, which is a work depicting the exodus of the eastern people. Around the square are some of the most important buildings in the city: walking along Avenida 18 de Julio towards the old town we find the Palacio Salvo, flanked by the Palacio Estevez, the Ciudadela building, the Solis Theater, the largest in the Uruguayan capital and the second largest theater in South America. This is where the most important shows in Uruguay are performed. Source: https://www.costakreuzfahrten.de/costa-club/magazine/reise/sehenswuerdigkeiten-montevideo.html

The Palacio Salvo was designed by Mario Palanti, an Italian architect, and completed in 1928. It was originally built as a hotel that offered visitors luxurious accommodation. However, due to a lack of demand, the hotel project was not successful. The building was remodeled several times over the years, but eventually found its purpose as an office and residential building. The architecture of the Palacio Salvo is an exquisite mix of eclectic styles, combining influences from Art Nouveau and Neoclassicism. With an impressive height of 100 meters, it was the tallest building in South America at the time of its completion. The façade features ornate carvings, ornamental details and a grand entrance that immediately draws the viewer's attention. Source: https://www.realestate-in-uruguay.com/de/blog/palacio-salvo-das-ikonische-jewwel-von-montevideo/

The Plaza de la Constitución, also known as Plaza Matriz, offers a quiet place to linger and relax in the middle of Montevideo. Nestled between historical architecture, including the impressive Iglesia Matriz, the oldest cathedral in the city, and the historic Cabildo, the square invites you to sit on one of the numerous benches and watch the hustle and bustle of the city in a relaxed atmosphere. The central fountain, designed in 1871 by the Italian sculptor Juan Ferrari, is a real eye-catcher and gives the square its unique charm. It is particularly nice to simply stroll through the park, enjoy the pleasant peace and quiet and take in the history of the place. The dense treetops offer shade on hot days, and the surrounding cafés invite you to watch the relaxed hustle and bustle over a coffee. If you want to learn about Uruguay's past, you've come to the right place: on July 18, 1830, the Constitutional Oath took place here, an important event in the country's history.

The historic district of Colonia del Sacramento, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, is truly a fascinating place that takes you back in time. As you stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets, you can admire the mix of Portuguese and Spanish architecture - a remnant of the city's turbulent colonial history. I find it particularly fascinating how the alleys and buildings have retained their authentic charm. It almost feels as if time has paused here. And there are old cars parked everywhere, like small open-air exhibitions. For me, this was a really unexpected highlight. You should take your time to discover the hidden corners and pause for a moment in the cozy cafes. If you want to follow the historical trail of Uruguay, Colonia del Sacramento is definitely worth a detour - the well-preserved colonial buildings in particular give you the feeling of being part of another era.

In contrast to many other churches in Uruguay, with many lavish furnishings.

The entrance fee is 35 pesos.