Uruguay is one of the quietest countries in the world. There is a very low crime rate, which makes the country so tempting for tourists. But still the main reason for visiting Uruguay is a large number of attractions. In this country there are a lot of interesting objects that will attract the attention of experienced and inexperienced tourists.
What to see in the capital?
To arrive in Uruguay do not ask what is interesting to see here, it is better to immediately develop your route. Travel to this amazing country you need to start with its capital, Montevideo . This is a very colorful city, in which colonial architecture is mixed with modern buildings. Half the population lives in the city. Most of them are immigrants or descendants of the first settlers.
Having visited the capital of Uruguay, you must definitely look at its following attractions:
- The coast of the Atlantic Ocean, called the "Uruguay Riviera";
- National History Museum;
- the botanical garden ;
- Esteves Palace ;
- Museum of Carnival .
Most popular attractions in Uruguay
The above listed architectural, cultural and natural sites are landmarks of urban importance. But there are places in this country that she is known all over the world. To these places of interest in Uruguay, photos of which are presented below, you can refer:
- The Cathedral of Montevideo. Initially on the site of this basilica stood a small Catholic church. The construction of the temple itself began in November 1790. Until the beginning of the XX century, the Cathedral was the highest building of Montevideo and was considered its unofficial center. In the crypt of the temple rest the bodies of the capital's archbishops and famous Uruguayan figures. Since 1975, the basilica is one of the national historical monuments of Uruguay.
- Lobos Island. This is another attraction of Uruguay, which has long been the country's largest tourism center. The island is located a few kilometers from the southern coast and is interesting because there are more than 200 thousand sea lions here. The islet is literally strewn with these funny and curious animals. Some of them splash in the water, others sunbathe on the rocks. Hunting for sea lions is forbidden, and they have fun keeping their territory vigilant.
- Casapuableau's house. The sight of Uruguay, where you can not only relax in a cultural way, but also comfortably spend the night, is Casapuiblo's home. This interesting property is located in Punta del Este . It was built by the traveler Carlos Vilaro, who tried to unite in one building elements of Italian, African and Creole architecture. Over time, the house grew and became a comfortable hotel.
- Museum of Fine Arts named after Juan Blanes. Located in the mansion Palladio, built from expensive building materials and decorated with Carrara marble, statues and ornamental flowerpots. The building itself can be called an architectural masterpiece, but still its main value lies in the collection. It includes works by Uruguayan artists, paintings by contemporary masters, engravings and sculptures created by European masters. Right in front of the Museum of Fine Arts is a Japanese garden, which is the only one in the whole country.
- Art Museum. Another famous landmark in Uruguay is the Museum of Fine Arts, located in Montevideo. His collection consists of 6 thousand works created by Uruguayan and foreign artists. Here you can admire the works of Pablo Picasso himself, as well as the canvases of classical and modern art. In the building of the art museum there is a library, which stores 8 thousand books.
- Palacio Salvo. In the heart of Montevideo is the old skyscraper Palacio Salvo, which until 1928 was considered the tallest building in South America. Its height is 105 m. The palace is a kind of embodiment of the "Divine Comedy" of Dante. So, the three basement floors of the Palacio Salvo symbolize hell, 1-8 floors are purgatory, and the tall tower (15 m) is heaven. Initially, it was decorated with many artistic details, which eventually either fell off or were removed.
- Monument "Hand" in Punta del Este. This landmark, a photo and description which can be found on our website, has long been a symbol of Uruguay. It represents the tips of five fingers drowning in the sand. In this way, the author of the sculpture, Mario Iarrzarabal, tried to express the connection between man and nature. The monument took part in the exhibition of young sculptors in 1982. "Hand" is still a favorite place for tourists.
- Beach de los Positos. The sandy beach, located 10 minutes from Montevideo, is a popular destination for lovers of a quiet and active holiday. Ideal conditions for tourists of any age are created here. Some of them sunbathe on sun loungers, others play football or volleyball, while others enjoy the scenery from nearby restaurants. Due to the developed infrastructure and convenient location, the beach has become an attractive place for both locals and visitors from Brazil and Argentina .
In addition to the above attractions, in Uruguay there are many other, no less interesting and significant objects. Every tourist who prefers an ecological, active or cultural holiday , will certainly find here something that will make him forever remember this country.