Colonia del Sacramento was founded by the Portuguese in 1680 on the west side of a peninsula by the Rio de la Plata. Colonia was an important centre in Portugal's American colonies and used as a smuggling base for goods to Buenos Aires. The city was razed to the ground by the Spanish during the war of 1704-05, rebuilt by the Portuguese but captured by the Spanish after a siege in 1777. The historic quarter of Colonia del Sacramento, nearest the edge of the peninsula, has been exceptionally well preserved. There are numerous examples of buildings from the 17th to 19th centuries which illustrate the successful fusion of the Portuguese, Spanish and post-colonial styles as well as large squares, cobbled lanes, the lighthouse and the remains of the fortified wall with a restored gateway. It is one of the most charming and evocative colonial towns in South America, seemingly frozen in a time gone by. Colonia is easily reached by ferry from Buenos Aires and it's worth spending at least one night in the town to view the sunset over the Rio Plate and experience the wonderfully atmospheric bar and restaurant culture at night.
Location:
Uruguay
Travel to Colonia del Sacramento
