Colonia del Sacramento

With a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere, the city of Colonia del Sacramento captivates many travellers. This capital of the Colonia Department sits in the southwestern part of the Uruguayan territory. It is the oldest city in the country and offers the chance to admire historic buildings with charming cobblestone alleys reminiscent of centuries past. Due to its architecture blending Spanish and Portuguese styles, this small city is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

History

The city was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese under the name "Colonia do Santíssimo Sacramento". It is thus the oldest settlement built by Europeans in Uruguay. Based on the Treaty of Tordesillas, the Spanish coveted the city and believed it belonged to the Río de la Plata territory. Situated across from Buenos Aires, Colonia fortified itself and commercial exchanges developed between Rio de Janeiro and the capital of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. A port was constructed. However, in the same year as its founding, the Spanish attacked the city through a military expedition. For several years, this locality was the subject of conflict between Portuguese and Spanish forces until the Treaty of Madrid in 1750. The latter placed the city under Spanish control. But the Portuguese recaptured the city in 1762 before Brazilian conquest. Finally, upon Uruguay's independence in 1828, Colonia del Sacramento became the capital of the Colonia Department.

Colonia del Sacramento Today

Colonia is a sprawling city that extends eastward. When you visit, you will notice the stark difference between the historic Portuguese quarters with their somewhat disorganized streets and those built by the Spanish, whose streets are narrow and orthogonal. This authentic city reflects in many ways the history of colonization. It contains numerous remnants and ruins dating back to that era. As you take a beautiful walk through the city, you will discover old objects used by colonists scattered throughout. You will see, among other things, cannon remains, sleds, vintage cars from the nineteen-fifties and much more.

Discovering Colonia del Sacramento's Remarkable Sites

The Historic Centre

Spanning 12 hectares, the historic centre of Colonia has preserved its authentic charm. You can admire, in particular, buildings and some streets from the colonial period. When visiting this site, you won't miss walking along the Calle de los Suspiros, a popular street that served as the setting for numerous films, including one titled "De eso no se habla". Among the most enchanting buildings on the site, you'll find the Basilica of the Santísimo Sacramento. It was built at the time of the city's founding in 1680, then rebuilt in 1810 according to colonial architecture. There are also the ruins of the San Francisco Convent, the old arenas, the ramparts of Colonia, the San Benito church, and the city's lighthouse at a height of 34 meters.

The Citadel Gate

Built in 1745 by Vasconcellos, a Portuguese governor, the Puerta de la Ciudadela is a major attraction in Colonia. Located just across from the Plaza de 1811, this historic monument represents a bridge allowing passage over the moat that protected the city. You can take souvenir photos here, even at night when the gate is illuminated.

Colonia's Wharf

During your visit to the historic centre, be sure not to miss the Muelle de Colonia, an emblematic spot in the city. This wooden wharf, built in 1866, is quite spacious and offers breathtaking views of the Río de la Plata and its islands. You'll find benches for taking a moment to rest and admiring sublime landscapes. At dusk, you'll be mesmerized by the lampposts illuminating the area. Near the wharf, restaurants and bars are available to taste local specialties or enjoy a glass of regional wine.

Beautiful Beaches of Colonia

If you wish to escape to a beach, you'll find many on either side of the historic centre. You can, for example, head to Playa del Rowing, Playa Ferrando, Playa Honda, Playa Los Verdes, Playa Real de San Carlos, or Playa Municipal. Each of these places has its own appeal, depending on whether you want to engage in water activities or simply relax.

Climate

Colonia del Sacramento has a warm temperate climate. Throughout the year, abundant precipitation is recorded, even during the driest months. The average annual temperature is 17.4°C. Precipitation reaches an average of 1,102 mm per year.

The best times to visit the locality are the months of January, February, March, April, October, November, and December.

Being one of the most visited cities in Uruguay, Colonia is served by numerous buses from the Uruguayan capital. You can also reach the city by ferry from Buenos Aires, departing from Puerto Madero or the International Cruise Terminal. Additionally, it's possible to rent a private vehicle in Montevideo to get there. For this, you will travel approximately 180 km in less than 3 hours.