Cultural sightseeing in Uruguay. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces

Just like in other countries, Uruguay has many historic and cultural landmarks. Of course, one vacation is not enough to understand the history and culture of the country well, so it is always better to combine visits to historic landmarks and communication with local people. In Montevideo, travelers can visit the Museum of Decorative Arts. The museum’s building was constructed in 1910. At that time, it was a mansion of a rich family. In the 70s of the previous century, the mansion has become a museum that exhibits works of many famous painters. There is also a rich archaeological collection. The capital’s National Museum of Visual Arts showcases a very interesting collection of paintings created by famous Uruguayan painters at the beginning of the 20th century and later. The entrance to the museum is free. There are sensor displays for blind visitors on the first floor.

Joaquin Torres Garcia Museum in Montevideo exhibits a large collection of works by the great Uruguayan painter. The paintings were collected by the family of the famous painter after his death in order to make a gallery. This is a must-visit place for everyone who is interested in the history of Uruguayan art and in painters who influenced world art. The Museum of Technology in Salto has an interesting exhibition dedicated to technologies and their influence on people’s lives. Archaeological artifacts, first models of vehicles, weapons, tools, photo cameras, clocks, electrical devices – the exhibition covers a long period of time.

In Montevideo, travelers can visit the Andes Museum. It is dedicated to a very interesting story about Uruguayan rugby high school players and their relatives who were flying to Chile, but their airplane crashed in the Andes. This happened in winter, and people had to fight for their lives and try to survive for two months. Uruguayans still remember about this event that happened in 1972. The small museum exhibits items from the tragedy site, photographs, and belongings of the passengers: sleeping bags, backpacks, and more. Everyone keen on the maritime theme will find it extremely interesting to visit the Museum of the Sea in El Tesoro. Among the items exhibited, there are skeletons of marine creatures, fishes, vintage swimming costumes, and much more. There is a room for children. Don’t forget to see one of the most interesting artifacts exhibited – a giant moonfish. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Montevideo Uruguay Temple is an eye-catching building that is hard not to notice. The roof of the granite-faced building is decorated with the statue of Angel Moroni. The Church of Christ, which is also located in Montevideo, welcomes Christians of all confessions. It has divine service every Sunday at 11 am. The church is decorated with incredibly beautiful stained-glass windows. Thanks to the atmosphere of kindness and peace, even atheist visitors feel like home in this church. Fans of religious landmarks will definitely not be disappointed with Padre Pio's Grotto in Paysandu. This place was created by Catholics in order to honor the famous saint from Pietrelcina. Locals often come to offer their humble gifts to the smiling statue of Padre Pio. This is a tranquil place surrounded by trees.

Santa Theresa Fortress in the department of Rocha is located in the national park that has the same name. Initially, the Portuguese started building this fortress in the mid-18th century, but it was quickly conquered by the Spanish who finished the building. The fortress still amazes its numerous visitors with high walls and grandiose design. There is a cemetery nearby that became the last resort for slaves, indigenous people, and free people from Europe. Fortaleza del Cerro, also known as Fortaleza General Artigas, is a famous fortress in Montevideo. It is located on a hill that offers a stunning view of the city. Inside, visitors will find a museum with weapons and other artifacts that cast the light upon the history of this place. Midday is the best time to visit the hill as there are always many tourists in the area at this time of the day – the neighborhood is not very safe. In Dieciocho de Julio, travelers can visit San Miguel Fortress that was owned by Spanish and Portuguese in different periods of time. Nowadays, this building that dates back to 1734 has become a hotel. After the reconstruction, the fortress has retained its primary grandeur, but now it serves a peaceful purpose.

Castillo Pittamiglio in Montevideo dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. In the past, it belonged to alchemist and architect Humberto Pittamiglio. Nowadays, this fancy looking building looks absolutely magical among the usual grey buildings. The castle regularly hosts literary competitions, performances for adults and children, and other cultural events. In the city of Colonia del Sacramento, there is a historic district that is added in the list of the world heritage sites by UNESCO. This district was founded by the Portuguese at the end of the 17th century. The oldest one-floor buildings belong to that period. A walk on the cobbled streets of Colonia del Sacramento is like a journey back in time.

In Punta del Este, travelers certainly need to visit the beach that has a famous sculpture – fingers that emerge from the sand. This sculpture is called La Mano, and it appeared on this beach at the beginning of the 80s of the previous century. The sculpture was created by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal. The idea of the sculpture is to show the presence of humans in nature. The hand sculpture became a symbol of Punta del Este. Finally, it would be a mistake to fail to mention the Montevideo Cabildo. In 1830, the country’s constitution was signed in this building. Earlier, it was a governmental office, but now a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the country is open in this two-story building. There are charming fountains in the inner yard.