Colonia del Sacramento: Heritage of humanity
Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680 by the Range Master Manuel Lobo. Colonia del Sacramento has remained in its original area, very different to the common characteristics of the cities of Uruguay, generally drawn with checkerboards classics. Portuguese in origin, its structure is very strange in the Rio de la Plata. Many of its original architectural features preserved.
Location map
Tour around Colonia
The ideal start for your visit to Colonia del Sacramento is on the "Puerta de la Ciudadela", just in front of the current "Plaza de 1811". Next to the charming historic setting, you can start taking your first photographic memories.
The magical and unique "Calle de los Suspiros" is a place where you can escape the reality around you and take an imaginary trip back in time, seeing these ancient streets, among the "negros lubolos" and "mamas viejas" dancing the Candombe to the beat of the drum slaves.
At the top you can see the lighthouse that illuminates the bay, next to the secular ruins of Convento San Francisco.
To learn more about the history of this city, the Regional Archive is another place where abundant information to the former Colonia del Sacramento is.
The "Iglesia Matriz" with its unique history, is the oldest church in Uruguay.
Another beautiful place of Colonia which has been recycled as a theater and cultural center is the Bastion del Carmen. You can also find other coloniense stage, which is an architectural marvel, “La Plaza de Toros”, which has never been used.
Colonia also has a magnificent Yacht Harbor which is visited every week by hundreds of sailboats, ideal to enjoy the splendid sunsets of the bay.