Plaza Independencia

Montevideo


Montevideo's largest downtown plaza commemorates independence hero José Artigas with a 17m, 30-ton statue and the subterranean Mausoleo de Artigas, where an honor guard keeps 24-hour vigil over Artigas’ remains. Other notable structures surrounding the plaza include the stone gateway Puerta de la Ciudadela, a lonely remnant of the colonial citadel demolished in 1833; the 19th-century Palacio Estévez; and the 26-story Palacio Salvo, the continent’s tallest building when it opened in 1927, and still a classic Montevideo landmark.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Montevideo attractions

1. Mausoleo de Artigas

0.02 MILES

In the middle of the downtown Plaza Independencia is the Mausoleo de Artigas, whose above-ground portion is a 17m, 30-ton statue of the country's…

2. Palacio Estévez

0.05 MILES

The 18th-century Palacio Estévez, on the south side of the Plaza Independencia, was the Government House until 1985.

3. Palacio Salvo

0.06 MILES

On the east side of the Plaza Independencia, the 26-story structure with the crazy beehive hairdo is Palacio Salvo, the continent's tallest building when…

4. Puerta de la Ciudadela

0.08 MILES

At the west end of the Plaza Independencia is the Puerta de la Ciudadela, a stone gateway that is one of the only remnants of the colonial citadel…

5. Museo Torres García

0.11 MILES

This museum showcases the work of 20th-century Uruguayan painter Torres García, and has revolving exhibitions featuring other contemporary artists.

6. Teatro Solís

0.13 MILES

Just off Plaza Independencia, elegant Teatro Solís is Montevideo’s premier performance space. First opened in 1856, and completely renovated during the…

7. Museo y Archivo Histórico Municipal

0.18 MILES

This free historical museum on Ciudad Vieja's main square displays 18th-century paintings of Montevideo and other artifacts from the city's early days.

8. Cabildo

0.19 MILES

Opposite the Iglesia Matriz is the Cabildo, a neoclassical stone structure finished in 1812.