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River-Uruguay by night
The Litoral, River Uruguay
The Litoral is the Western part of Uruguay, facing the border with Argentina. The border with Argentina is the River Uruguay. Three bridges over this river connect Uruguay with Argentina. The region stretches from Colonia del Sacramento to Bella Union in the upper North-West. The Uruguay river itself is beautiful, with woods, divers bird life and beaches. The region holds some historic places like Colonia del Sacramento and the Meseta Artigas. Some of the larger cities of Uruguay can be found here like Paysandú and Salto. Also the city of Fray Bentos, known as a food brand, can be found in this region. Last but not least a large number of spas are present, with a large variety of water qualities, claiming to cure multiple illnesses.
Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is located in the far South-West of Uruguay, opposite of Buenos Aires. Founded in 1680 by the Portugese to withstand the power of Spanish Buenos Aires. The old city centre of Colonia del Sacramento still breaths it's history and is called a 'World Heritage' by Unesco.
Meseta Artigas
This is another historical location within Uruguay. On this 45m hill top on the Uruguay River General José Artigas had his camp during the war of Independence. From this point you can enjoy the marvelous view of the surroundings.
Spas
Within the borders of the deparments Paysandú and Salto, several Spas can be found. All have different water qualities and temperatures, claiming all kinds of benefits for your health. On page Spas more specific information can be found.
Paysandú
The city was founded in 1772 with 12 indigenous converted families by father (in Guarani: pay) Sandú. During the Great War it was captured three times by the Portugese. The famous "Heroica Paysandú" is the heroic defense with 1,400 militia against 17,000 soldiers which lasted exactly one month from december 2nd, 1864 till january 2nd, 1865, before they were slaugthered. The Basilic can be found on the main square, Plaza Constitucion.
Playa de la Agraciada
On the 19th of April 1825, 33 "exhiles", headed by General Juan Antonio Lavalleja landed on this beach coming from Argentina. They were awaited by friends to liberate the territory from Brazil's occupation. On August 25th, 1825 the independence of Uruguay was declared, although not all of the territory was liberated. April 19th is still commemorated as a day of Patriotism.
Castillo (Castle) de Mauá
The castle was build as a huge country house by Irineo Evangelista de Souza (1813 - 1889), Barón, and later Viscount of Mauá, in 1857 - 1862. Nowadays it's owned by the central government and in use as school and musuem. Surrounding the castle one can find woods of native species of trees. For children there is a small collection of animals.
