Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay and one of the best cities to live in South America, according to research. It is located at the mouth of La Plata, by the coast and has been associated with the bustling seaport from the very beginning. In its architecture, colonial buildings smoothly intertwine with modern ones, and tourists eagerly visit the local museums and beautiful parks.
The city was founded in the first half of the 18th century as a fort that was a strategic Spanish bridgehead against the Portuguese. It quickly developed as a thriving port and to this day maritime trade plays an important role here. At the beginning of the 19th century, Montevideo was the subject of fights in the Uruguayan War of Independence, and in 1825 it was declared the capital of the new state.
The central place in Montevideo is Independence Square. The monumental Mausoleum of José Gervasio Artigas, the hero of the struggle for the country's liberation, stands here. The square also houses the 105-meter-high Palacio Salvo, an art deco building that for many years was the tallest skyscraper in South America. Konstytucji Square is much more picturesque with its square and 19th century buildings, and the Cagancha Square surrounded by a ring of trees.
Old buildings must be looked for among new buildings when visiting Montevideo. One of the best-preserved buildings is the 19th-century Port Market hall, which is still in use. In addition to trade stands, there are numerous restaurants and bars here. The Agricola Market with a visible metal structure has an equally beautiful structure, and among the most important historic attractions of Montevideo are the Imaculada Conceição Cathedral, the Castle in the Rodó Park, the Citadel Gate and the Art Nouveau Taranco Palace.
A visit to Montevideo would not be complete without the museums here. One of the most interesting is the Andean Museum 1972, but you can also visit the Cannabis Museum, the National History Museum, the Tango Museum, the Cabildo de Montevideo Historical Museum, the Romantic Museum, the Carnival Museum, the Football Museum or the Gaucho Museum.
The location near the sea coast means that there is no shortage of beaches in Montevideo. The most visited are Buceo Beach, De los Pocitos Beach, Ramirez Beach and Honda Beach. They are all sandy and perfect for relaxing. There is a promenade by the shore, with the Montevideo sign next to it, where many tourists take pictures of themselves. The city also has great places for walking, such as Park Jose Enrique Rodo or the Montevideo Botanical Garden.
