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Montevideo

Culture of Montevideo. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Prasa Independincia A historical part of Montevideo is of great interest for tourist visiting the destination. Exactly the historical part of the city concentrates a large share of significant landmarks and sights. A starting point of major sightseeing tours is the Plaza Independencia the suburbs of which host several architectural landmarks. The main decoration of the Plaza is the Cathedral, the construction of which took place in the beginning of the 19th century.
Montevideo is an excellent place for unforgettable discoveries. Visit the Flea market for the first impressions. It is an outdoor museum where you can not only touch, but also buy exhibits. … Open
A high impressive building is a unique fusion of architectural styles. Genuine connoisseurs of architectural art will find the traits of baroque and classicism in its appearance. The same significant landmark of the city is the Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes. Its opening was held in 1930. The museum keeps an interesting collection of a renowned Uruguayan painter and artist named Juan Manuel Blanes.
Later on the collection of the museum was added with artworks of other renowned artists. At present the museum is one of the most visited cultural places of the capital city. Dramatic art fans can not leave out of sight the Teatro Solis. The first performance took place on its stage as far back as in 1856 and since that time the theater is of great popularity as among local residents so among guests of Montevideo. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
In Montevideo, tourists’ most favorite place for shopping is Mercado del Puerto located in a beautiful historic pavilion. Gourmets will be impressed by meat delicacies. Here, you can … Open
A visit to the National Museum of Natural History will turn for every tourist to an unforgettable experience full of impressions. The museum is housed on a magnificent palace previously owned by the president of the country Jose Fructuoso Rivera. In beautifully decorated halls of the museum tourists will discover plenty of collections and showpieces of different trends: inestimable archeological discoveries, articles of art and significant historical records are among the articles of the museum collections.
Palacio legislativo Among significant architectural objects the Legislative Palace is best worth noticing. The Palace was built in the beginning of the 20th century and is the genuine example of the Neoclassicism. Evening tours to the Palace are of great popularity among travelers and city guests as exactly at nighttime the Palace is lit up with a specially designed illuminating system. The palace features unique luxurious interior, its halls boasts the furnishing of precious metals meanwhile ingenious marble finishing adds to the interior a specific festive look. A perfect destination for hiking will be the Ciudad Vieja part of the city. The area offers original historical landmarks and sights at every turn. Each day old streets and squares of the historical part of the city are filled with street artists and musicians performing various entertaining programs for city residents and guests of Montevideo.
The city was founded in the early 18th century by the Spanish. The purpose of founding Montevideo was rather peculiar. It was a fortress city, which helped the Spanish to control the actions … Open
In the capital of Uruguay, there are a lot of beautiful alleys and squares. It is a real pleasure to walk here. One of them is La Plaza Fabini (that is also named Plaza del Entrevero). It is a small green area with wonderful fountains, sculptures, and a relaxed atmosphere. Here, you can see the Museo del Gaucho, one of the cultural institutions where you can learn about local culture. You should also visit the Sala Zitarrosa where interesting concerts are often held. Plaza Independencia is the main square in the city. Here, interesting events, such as festivals, open-air concerts, and public celebrations, are often held. One of the most interesting buildings in the square is Palacio Salvo. It was built in 1928 and designed in the eclectic style that combines Neo-Gothic, art-deco, and neoclassical features.
Teatro Solis You should also walk along one of the parks or gardens in Montevideo. There is El Rosedal where you can see interesting attractions: sculptures, the Fotogalería Prado museum, the fair-ground Rural del Prado, and the Monumento Vegetal Arboretum. Besides, Jardin Botanico is worth being mentioned too. It attracts with its fragrant exotic plants and wonderful shadowed shelters. Another interesting park is Parque Rodo with its picturesque pond and age-old trees. Other significant places on this green oasis are the fortress Castillo del Parque Rodó and the Galería de Arte Municipal.
In Montevideo, there are a lot of places you can visit with children. One of such places is Parque Lecocq. The zoo is opened in the territory of a picturesque nature preserve. Among dense … Open
As for churches, Iglesia de las Carmelitas is a magnificent religious monument. It was built in the Gothic style in 1929 by the project of Isola and Armas. You should also visit Iglesia Stella Maris. It was built in 1918. Its main relic is the picture of Christ Pantocrator. Santuario Nacional del Cerrito de la Victoria constructed in 1938 is worth being mentioned too. As for the latter religious attraction, it was designed in the extraordinary neo-Byzantine style by the Italian architect Ernesto Vespignani.
Pocitos The Castillo Pittamiglio is another unusual place in Montevideo. When its architect Umberto Pittamiglio had died, the mansion was left unfinished. The matter is that the architect had been constructing the building since 1910 when he had bought it. Remarkably, he was famous for his philosophical outlook on life. You can see some philosophical implications in his “eternal” building. The construction will never reach the end, just like the humankind. In the mansion, you can see alchemical, Templar, Masonic, Christian, and Rosicrucian symbols. There are several doors and halls leading nowhere, blank windows, and strange rooms. You should also listen to stories from guides and local people, as the mansion is associated with lots of myths and legends.
Montevideo greets its visitors with more than two hundreds of gastronomy establishments which specialize in the most different culinary trends. The Tandory restaurant will be of great … Open
Another interesting place to visit is Universidad de la Republica. It was built in 1849 in the neoclassical style. The Faro de Punta Carretas lighthouse is still functioning although it was built in 1876. In 1862, it became electric. Today, the lighthouse is a historically significant building. In the capital of Uruguay, there are also modern constructions, for example, the World Trade Center opened in 1998. It is a wonderful example of modern architectural style. Another building, the Torre de las Comunicaciones, was designed in the international style by Carlos Ott. Today, it is the highest skyscraper in Uruguay.
Centro y Ciudad Vieja By the way, you can walk not only in parks or on the embankment. The Cementerio Central is a perfect place for walks not only because of its peaceful atmosphere. Here, you can see several sculptures by José Belloni, José Luis Zorrilla de San Martín, and Bernardo Poncini. In the capital of Uruguay, there are interesting museums that are worth being visited. The Museo del Gaucho y de la Moneda houses the big collection of coins, household items, paintings, sculptures, and motion pictures by famous Uruguayans. Another wonderful cultural institution where you can learn about local culture is the Museo del Carnaval. Here, you can see the big collection of costumes worn during the African Carnival.
Montevideo is a city of interesting culture and original traditions. Its visitors have a chance to witness and take part in numerous exciting ethnic fests, learn local handicraft traditions … Open
The Museo Milagro en Los Andes will tell you about how the locals survived in the Andes, particularly after the plane crash in 1972. You can acquaint with local dances and learn about the influence of tango on the indigenous people in the Museo del Tango - La Cumparsita. The Museo del Cannabis de Montevideo will also impress those who want to learn more about the flora of Uruguay. As the city is a big port, the Museo Naval is worth being mentioned too. Here, you can learn everything about the naval history of Montevideo. The visitors will also be impressed by an amazing exhibition in the Espacio Ciencia. Here, many exhibits are interactive. Also, Museo Zoológico Dámaso Antonio Larrañaga is worth being visited.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Montevideo and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Montevideo and surroundings

Montevideo - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Reference information
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Montevideo
♥   Santuario Nacional de la Gruta de Lourdes, Montevideo, 3.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción y San Felipe y Santiago, Montevideo, 6.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Catedral Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Canelones, 38.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Iconic cultural sights of Uruguay

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. … Open
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Montevideo

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Photogallery of cultural heritage of Montevideo

Landmarks of culture on Montevideo map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc

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Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Montevideo

Culture guide to Montevideo. Which fascinating sights to visit once you are in Montevideo: temples, churches, museums, theaters and castles. Recommendations (with addresses, phone numbers and links) on the places 'must visit' in Montevideo. Plan your own city excursion by using this page info!
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