Ciudad Vieja


Montevideo is a beautiful modern city, one of the most developed capitals of Latin America. It is a city of contrasts, in which endless beaches adjoin modern city blocks, and monuments of colonial architecture stand next to skyscrapers. One of the most colorful areas of Montevideo is the historic center of Ciudad Vieja, which is the main sights of the capital.

Interesting Facts

Ciudad Vieja, whose name translates from Spanish as an "old city", is located in the southern part of Montevideo and is a large area and one of the most important cultural centers of the capital. Until 1829, he was surrounded by a wall of impressive size, which protected the city from possible intrusions. After the wall was demolished, its only surviving part was the gate, which to this day is the emblem of this area.

In recent years, Ciudad Vieja has undergone major changes, which made it the main center of nightlife in Montevideo. Today, in addition to unique historical monuments of architecture, here are the best metropolitan discos, bars and restaurants, the largest urban market of Mercado del Puerto and the most important sea port of Uruguay .

Features of Ciudad Vieja

Going for a walk around the Old City, you will probably notice the brilliant colorful spots on the background of the gray sidewalk. This is the work of a secret artist who at night, while everyone is asleep, fills the cracked parts of the road with small pieces of antique tiles with a multicolored mosaic. It looks incredibly beautiful and harmonious.

Another feature of the historic center of Montevideo is the unique double French doors, very high and narrow. Every detail is made with special precision, which can not but cause admiration.

Things to do?

All the year round the streets of the Old Town are full of tourists and foreign guests, street musicians and sellers, but despite this, the atmosphere of a small quiet corner here reigns today. While walking along Ciudad Vieja, it is necessary:

  1. Relax in the Constitution Square , which is the oldest in Montevideo and has long been considered the "heart" of the historic center. It is here that the most important sights of the capital are located: the Cathedral , Cabildo de Montevideo, the Anda 1972 museum, the Gurvich museum, etc. In the middle of the square is an interesting Spanish fountain, decorated with alchemical symbols.
  2. Take a walk along Sarandi Street , the main pedestrian strip that runs along Constitution Square, with a bunch of shops, restaurants and street artists.
  3. Explore Pérez Castellano - another pedestrian avenue, which hosts numerous shopping centers, grocers and handicraft shops of local artisans. Tourists point out that it is in this part of Ciudad Vieja that one can see the best examples of ancient colonial architecture and the most beautiful buildings of the area.
  4. Go to the main gate of the Old Town , where there is a beautiful bookstore LIBRERÍA and a cafe Puro Verso with a good menu and a great selection of wines.
  5. Admire the splendor of Independence Square , which is actually the center of Montevideo. The main decoration of the square is the Salvo Palace , created by the outstanding Italian architect Mario Palanti. Here is the oldest theater in Uruguay Solis , where daily excursions are conducted in English and Spanish, as well as the popular museum of the artist Torres Garcia , where the best works of the creator are exhibited.
  6. Quench the hunger in the market of Mercado del Puerto , where the best grilled meat is prepared in Montevideo. A wide selection of delicious dishes compensates for the huge queues and crowds of tourists.
  7. Meet the sunset on the Rambla . Ciudad Vieja is located on the tip of the peninsula and is surrounded by the great Rio de la Plata from all sides. The river is so wide that it seems as if it is infinite.

How to get there?

From the international airport of Carrasco to Ciudad Vieja, you can take a taxi ($ 50) and bus number 701, the fare is much less - about $ 2. To get to the historic district of Montevideo, you should go to the stop, which is called - Ciudad Vieja.