Colonia, Uruguay

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Colonia_del_Sacramento_water_front2.JPG
Author: Helge Høifødt


Colonia is the oldest town in Uruguay. It is located on the Río de la Plata across from Buenos Aires, Argentina. The town, whose official name is Colonia del Sacramento, has a population of 22,000. Its historic center is well preserved as has been recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Colonia was founded by the Portuguese in 1680. It was originally called Colónia do Sacramento. Across the Río de la Plata is Buenos, controlled by the Spanish. In 1680 the Spanish under José de Garro captured Colonia, but had to return it to Portugal the following year. The Spanish conquered Colonia again in 1705, and again had to return it, in the Treaty of Utrecht. The Spaniards also attacked Colonia during the Spanish-Portuguese War of 1735-1737, but again had to return it thereafter.

Over the ages Colonia alternated between Spanish and Portuguese rule until it became part of the independent country of Uruguay. Its town design reflect the Portuguese style of building terrain-fitting streets against the wider streets of Spanish design.

Visiting Colonia

The most convenient way to reach Colonia is by boat from Buenos Aires across the Río de la Plata. The options available include the fast catamaran. Round trip costs US$70 when booked in advance, or US$110 if booked the day before. The slow boat costs 102 Argentine pesos for a round trip.

Places of Interest in Colonia

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