Explore the History of Montevideo, Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay

Walking along the streets of Old Montevideo feels like stepping into the early 1900s when fortunes were made hand over fist and then spent freely on indulgences. Today, the elegant, and sometimes quirky, heritage buildings in Old Montevideo provide an insight into that extravagant era, making it a rewarding part of the city to explore.

In the 1700s, the Spanish felt they needed to defend their valuable Buenos Aires. It is located on the Rio de la Plata (River of Silver) and the Portuguese had established a base across the river in Colonia del Sacramento. The Spanish solution was to build a Garrison at present day Montevideo.

Rio de la Plata is the wide estuary where the Uruguay and Parana Rivers confluence and empty into the Atlantic Ocean. It is a remarkable 220 km (136 mi) across at its widest point. The two rivers shape part of the border between Argentina and Uruguay. It received its name because early Spanish and Portuguese explorers thought there were hills of silver just beyond the rivers.

The Spanish populated their new walled city with families from Buenos Aires and the Canary Islands. Its deep port became an important centre for trade, so it caught the attention of others, including Portugal, France and England. Many battles were fought, and ownership of Montevideo changed hands a few times. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).