Montevideo is the capital city of Uruguay and gives hospitality to more or less the 50% of the inhabitants of the whole Uruguay. Montevideo is a modern city that includes also the historic zone of the old city. All around the city there are many beaches with their white sands.
The old city, called "CIUDAD VIEJA", is scattered with buildings dated 18th century and includes also the market called "MERCADO DEL PUERTO". "AVENIDA 18 DE JULIO" (18 July Avenue) is the right place to find shops, museums, theatres and art galleries.
In 1799 the Royal Crown of Spain ordered the construction of a lighthouse able to illuminate the waters of Rio della Plata and to guide the sailors that plough through this river. The first construction was a building to house the workers of the lighthouse that is now called "Casa del piloto de la Vigia", then they built the lighthouse. Few years later they proceeded with the construction of a pentagonal fortress built around the lighthouse. The fortress has been restored in 1930 and later converted to a museum called "Museo General Antigas". All the complex is called "FORTALEZA DEL CEROO" and it has a very historic importance.
We go to "PRISO 24 DE LA INTENDENCIA", we take a panoramic lift to reach the terrace from where we can have a breathtaking view of the whole Montevideo, from the bay to downtown with its parks and "Ramblas".
Montevideo is an array of old (18th century) and new (very modern skyscrapers) without many interests for those people that are looking for history, art and architecture. A full visit will take only two days. As a counterbalance the beaches of Montevideo are very beautiful, clean and with an extension as far as the eye can see.
The inhabitants (most of them are of Italian origin) are friendly and polite. The city is safe as far as you stay away from the port area at nigh time.
All the restaurants offer the famous "parillada", a mixed grill of beef meats that are second to none in the world (in Uruguay the cattle is bred in water meadows that are plenty around the Rio della Plata river and the continuous immersion in the water makes the meat so tender that you can cut it just with a breadstick). Despite the fact that Montevideo is a seaport it is very difficult to find a restaurant that offer good fish dishes.
Finally Montevideo is a destination that don't give to visitors a lot of emotions but if you are in the area (may be Buenos Ayres) you might add two or three days to your trip in order to include Montevideo in your tour.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
You have really been to some great places but I wish you could inject your personal feelings and impressions more into your reviews - it would add so much. If you can I will rate again but for now it feels in many places like a travel guidebook excerpt. Sorry
daylehall 22.01.2007 18:28
It sounds very nice. Great review. xx
Donnie_Brasco 21.01.2007 20:50
Sounds lovely.. wouldn't mind going out there myself!
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Sep 19th, 2005
very helpful by (55%):
helpful by (45%):
