Montevideo – History

Founded in 1726 by Bruno Mauricio de Zabala, Montevideo was originally developed to counteract the Portuguese expansion coming from Brazil. Originally a Spanish garrison town, trade became an integral part of the city’s economy during the colonial period. Becoming a key port in the Viceroyalty of Rio de la Plata, the city often saw confrontations with nearby Buenos Aires. The city was also used as a base to defend the Viceroyalty from the Portuguese on several occasions. The area was referred to as Ciudad Vieja and remained heavily fortified until the end of the 18th century.

1807 saw the British occupy the city during the Battle of Montevideo. The occupation was short lived, and the Spanish would retake control of the city the same year. This was followed by the May Revolution of 1810, a result of differences and opposition of the new Viceroy. The May Revolution saw a siege of Montevideo by revolutionary forces, the result of Spain setting up a colonial government in Montevideo. The Spanish governor would be expelled from the city in 1814. In 1816, Portugal would invade the territory and ultimately annex it to the Banda Oriental of Brazil in 1821.

In 1825, independence was once again won for the region, with Uruguay consolidated as an independent state in 1828. Montevideo was named the capital of Uruguay. As a result of previous turmoil and takeovers, the city’s old fortifications were removed and plans for the development of the new city (Ciudad Nueva) were made. Unfortunately, these plans were met with many unfortunate events that would result in the delay of Montevideo’s modernization.

The Great Siege of Montevideo would occur from 1843 to 1851 during the Uruguayan Civil War. Although the siege itself would end in 1851 with the defeat of the Oribe, fighting would once again resume in 1855 and continue until 1865. This saw the Colorado Party regain power. They would retain power in Uruguay into the 20th century. Montevideo saw significant expansion at the end of the war. The following years after the siege saw the development of a stagecoach bus line and the installation of natural gas streetlights. The first public sanitation facilities were installed, as was an underwater telegraph line that connected with city with Buenos Aires. The city of Montevideo was finally able to proceed with its planned construction on the ‘New City’. Telephone and gas lines would be installed in the late 1800s and into the early 20th century.

The early 1900s saw significant immigration to Montevideo from Spain, and Italy as well as Central Europe. This resulted in many new neighborhoods annexed to the city, as well as the creation of new locations, such as the Estadio Gran Parque Central. The Rambla saw the launch of construction in 1910. Into the mid 20th century, the economy saw a decline and an increase in political and social violence. Uruguay was placed under a dictatorship in the 1960s, which would end in 1985. Modern day Montevideo has seen significant economic and social growth and has been consistently rated one of the best cities for quality of life in Latin America.

 

 

Historical Locations  

Fortress General Artigas

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Address: Av. José Batlle y Ordóñez, Montevideo
Phone: +598 2313 6716
Operating Hours:
– Monday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Tuesday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Wednesday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Thursday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website

 

 

Palacio Legislativo

Address: Av. de las Leyes n/a, Montevideo
Phone: +598 2924 1783
Operating Hours:
– Monday 10:00am, 3:00pm guided tour only
– Tuesday 10:00am, 3:00pm guided tour only
– Wednesday 10:00am, 3:00pm guided tour only
– Thursday 10:00am, 3:00pm guided tour only
– Friday 10:00am, 3:00pm guided tour only
– Saturday Closed
– Sunday Closed
Admission Cost:
– FREE
– Guided tours for foreign tourists – $140
Website

 

 

Palacio Estévez

Address: Plaza Independencia 776 esq. Florida, Uruguay
Phone: +598 2 150 5902
Operating Hours:
– Monday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Tuesday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Wednesday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Thursday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Saturday closed
– Sunday closed
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website