Saturday flea maket at Plaza Constitucion

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Plaza Matriz

Montevideo


Also known as Plaza Constitución, this leafy square was the heart of colonial Montevideo. On its west side stands the Iglesia Matriz, Montevideo’s oldest public building, begun in 1784 and completed in 1799. Opposite is the Cabildo, a neoclassical stone structure finished in 1812. Benches under the trees and eateries along the adjacent sidewalk offer opportunities for a noon break.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Montevideo attractions

1. Cabildo

0.04 MILES

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

2. Museo y Archivo Histórico Municipal

0.05 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.

3. Iglesia Matriz

0.05 MILES

Opposite the Cabildo on Plaza Matriz is the Iglesia Matriz, Montevideo's oldest public building. It was begun in 1784 and completed in 1799.

4. Museo Figari

0.07 MILES

One of Ciudad Vieja’s newest museums is devoted to Uruguayan painter Pedro Figari, whose landscapes and portraits masterfully convey a sense of Uruguayan…

5. Museo de los Andes

0.07 MILES

Opened in 2013, this unique museum documents the 1972 Andean plane crash (made famous in the book Alive!) that cost 29 Uruguayans their lives and…

6. Museo Gurvich

0.08 MILES

In the heart of Ciudad Vieja's main pedestrian thoroughfare, this museum is devoted to Lithuanian-born Constructivist artist José Gurvich (1927–74), who…

7. Museo Torres García

0.13 MILES

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

8. Puerta de la Ciudadela

0.15 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…