Plaza Independencia
The square dividing the Old Town from the New, centred on an equestrian statue of national founder Artigas and an underground mausoleum, and framed by the Palacio Salvo and the Citadel Gate.
Plaza Independencia is Montevideo's most important square, at the eastern tip of the Old Town peninsula. Its western gate, the Puerta de la Ciudadela (Citadel Gate), is the only surviving remnant of the 18th-century Spanish colonial walls. Passing through it takes you onto the pedestrian street Sarandí and into the Old Town. In the centre stands the bronze equestrian statue of José Gervasio Artigas, Uruguay's founding father, unveiled in 1923. Beneath it is the Mausoleo de Artigas. Walk down the steps underground, where a pair of honour guards watch over the urn. Entry is free (roughly 9:00–17:00, hours may change). The buildings around the square vary in style. The landmark Palacio Salvo stands on the east side. On the south side are the presidential office building Torre Ejecutiva and the historic Palacio Estévez. The Teatro Solís is just to the southwest. National celebrations bring military parades and ceremonies to the square. The square is open all day and makes a good starting point for walking the Old Town: Citadel Gate, Sarandí Street, Constitution Square (Plaza Matriz), and the Port Market.
Opening hours
All day (Artigas Mausoleum about 09:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Museo Torres García
- Palacio Salvo
- Solís Theatre
- Museo Andes 1972
- Ciudad Vieja
- Catedral Metropolitana de Montevideo
- Museo Gurvich
- Palacio Taranco