Overview
Take a trip to Montevideo on your Uruguay Vacation
Situated on the southern coast of Uruguay, Montevideo is the country’s capital and largest city, serving as the economic, political, cultural and educational centre of the nation to be experienced on an Uruguay vacation.
Montevideo was established in 1724 by the governor of Buenos Aires, Bruno Mauricio de Zabala. The goal of the settlement was to counteract the Portuguese populations who had come from Brazil. Originally a Spanish garrison town, the city began to expand towards the end of the colonial period as a result of growing trade. The first thirty years of the 19th century saw Montevideo occupied by British, Spanish, Argentine, Portuguese and Brazilian forces.
By the 20th century, the city had become popular amongst immigrants, particularly those from Spain and Italy but also from central Europe. It is the descendants of these initial immigrants that make up a great deal of the population of Montevideo today.
Montevideo is known for being an important cultural centre that hosts a rich architectural heritage. The historic heart of the capital is Ciudad Vieja which is home to the city’s oldest buildings and many national heritage sites. The Uruguayan Tango is native to the neighbourhoods of Montevideo, but the city offers more than unique dancing traditions on an Uruguay vacation. It is known for its writers, musicians and artists as well as its museums and galleries, all of which give Montevideo a vibrant and exciting buzz while maintaining a small-town feel.
Montevideo is known for being an important cultural centre that hosts a rich architectural heritage. The historic heart of the capital is Ciudad Vieja which is home to the city’s oldest buildings and many national heritage sites. The Uruguayan Tango is native to the neighbourhoods of Montevideo, but the city offers more than unique dancing traditions on an Uruguay vacation. It is known for its writers, musicians and artists as well as its museums and galleries, all of which give Montevideo a vibrant and exciting buzz while maintaining a small-town feel.
At a Glance
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Uruguayan Peso (UYU)What do the experts say?
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