10 Best Things To Do In Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

1. Visit the striking Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento

Dating back to the year 1680, Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento was originally a humble Roman Catholic church that was built when the Portuguese established a colony in the area. It has since then grown along with the city, and it is currently considered one of the oldest in Uruguay. Originally, it was a modest church created from mud, and its present form was designed by Tomás Toribio and dates back to 1810. It was recently renovated in 1976, and several architects including Terra Carve, Miguel Ángel Odriozola, and Antonio Cravotto were involved in the project.

Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento

Address: 70000 Colonia del Sacramento, Colonia Department, Uruguay

Website: Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento

2. Explore Museo Indígena

Within Museo Indígena, which is located in a historic building that dates from the 19th century, visitors will discover history about the natives of the region. The items in the museum were donated by Roberto Banchero, who was a private collector, and they are what natives used in the region around Colonia del Sacramento. The museum was inaugurated in 1988, and it showcases pottery, items used for hunting, fishing, and weapons such as arrowheads and axes.

Museo Indígena

Address: Del Comercio 183, 70000 Col Del Sacramento, Departamento de Colonia, Uruguay

Website: Museo Indígena

Opening hours: Tue - Wed; Fri: 11:15am - 4:45pm; Sat - Sun: 11:15am - 4:45pm; (closed on Mon & Thu)

Price: USD 1.25 - all eight museums

3. Visit the towering Colonia del Sacramento lighthouse

Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse, with its white exterior, is one of the major attractions in the city. The building of the lighthouse was started in 1855 as several ships were wrecked around the area, especially at night and in stormy weather. The lighthouse remains in good condition given that it is nearly 160 years old. Visitors can climb the stairs leading to the top and experience the spectacular scenery around the area. The lighthouse usually opens during the day and closes at dusk, so visitors have enough time to experience all of its features.

Colonia del Sacramento lighthouse

Address: De San Francisco, 70000 Col Del Sacramento, Departamento de Colonia, Uruguay

Website: Colonia del Sacramento lighthouse

Opening hours: 10am - 12:30pm, 2:30pm - 6:30pm (daily)

Price: 2 USD

4. Check out the ruins of St Francis Convent

Convento de San Francisco is the name of the ruins of the convent that are present around Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse. The convent was built around 1690 and it gradually became a ruin after a large fire destroyed it in 1704. Some of the walls of the convent are still visible and they provide a detailed look at the rocks that were used in its construction. After visiting the ruins of the convent, you can head to the lighthouse and take photographs of the surrounding areas.

Convento de San Francisco

Address: 70000 Colonia del Sacramento, Colonia Department, Uruguay

Website: Convento de San Francisco

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Learn about local history at Espacio Portugués, Museo de Colonia

Espacio Portugués, Museo de Colonia is a museum located in a house from the 18th century. It showcases Portuguese influence in the region, and it has a gable roof made of wood and tiles. The exterior walls are created from stone and the interior walls are made from wooden partitions. The museum is one of the best in the city, and within it is a collection of furniture, art, and artifacts that were used by the Portuguese in the region. An original coat of arms that was once part of the city’s gate is also displayed in the museum.

Espacio Portugués, Museo de Colonia

Address: Enriquez de la Peña 180, entre calle De Solís (frente a la Plaza Mayor, 25 de mayo)entre, Calle de los Suspiros, 70000 Col Del Sacramento, Uruguay

Website: Espacio Portugués, Museo de Colonia

Opening hours: 11:15am - 4:15pm (daily)

Price: USD 1.25

6. View the exhibits at The Spanish Museum

The Spanish Museum is spread over several houses. One house was owned by Juan del Águila a merchant from Spain who lived in the city. The house was constructed initially in 1720. The current exterior is thought to date from 1840, when the house was rebuilt. The interior has walls that also date from that period. Granite lintels in the house are also preserved in their original condition. The interior of the museum has several relics and armors dating from the Spanish rule in the region.

Spanish Museum

Address: Calle de San Jose, 70000 Col Del Sacramento, Departamento de Colonia, Uruguay

Website: Spanish Museum

Opening hours: 11:15am - 4:15pm (daily)

Price: USD 1.25

7. Spend the afternoon at Centro Cultural Bastión del Carmen

At Centro Cultural Bastión del Carmen, you can check out striking sculptures that are positioned outdoors. The outdoor sculptures have a modern vibe while other parts of the area were once a portion of the city’s fortifications. The area has grass covering the portion that leads to the riverside and, therefore, is a good place to relax in the afternoon. Cultural shows and concerts are often held in the area and there is also a striking chimney that was created in 1880 for industrial purposes.

Centro Cultural Bastión del Carmen

Address: Rivadavia 223, 70000 Col Del Sacramento, Departamento de Colonia, Uruguay

Website: Centro Cultural Bastión del Carmen

Opening hours: 12pm - 6pm (daily)

8. Walk along the picture perfect Calle de Los Suspiros

At Calle de Los Suspiros, you get a glimpse of the history of the city and how life was along the street. The street was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and much of it has buildings in their original condition. Buildings in the street that is near the estuary, once housed brothels and slaves also walked through it. The street is a picturesque part of the city and it is frequently photographed by tourists and included in many fashion magazine shoots. It is also included in many of the walking tours.

Calle de Los Suspiros

Address: Calle de Los Suspiros

Website: Calle de Los Suspiros

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

9. Watch the sunset at Puerto Viejo de Colonia

The original harbor of Colonia del Sacramento, Puerto Viejo de Colonia is a nice place to enjoy an evening stroll when you are in the city. Those who walk in the area at sunrise and sunset are treated to a nice view of the sun alongside the boats, yachts, and islands in the area. The pier was built in 1866, and since then, it has been restored and maintained in prime condition. Several restaurants are found around the pier and are especially crowded around sunset.

Puerto Viejo de Colonia

Address: Barrio Histórico, 70000 Col Del Sacramento, Departamento de Colonia, Uruguay

Website: Puerto Viejo de Colonia

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

10. Travel back in time at Museo Del Azulejo

At Museo Del Azulejo, which is spread over two rooms, visitors can experience how buildings in the area were constructed around the 18th century. The museum has hundreds of tiles that were used in the construction of several buildings. Most of the tiles showcased have Spanish or French origins. This is one of the eight major museums in the city, and visitors can pay a single admission fee that gives them access to all of them.

Museo Del Azulejo

Address: Misiones de los Tapes 104, 70000 Col Del Sacramento, Departamento de Colonia, Uruguay

Website: Museo Del Azulejo

Opening hours: Sat - Tue & Thu: 11:15am - 4:45pm (closed on Wed & Fri)

Price: USD 1.25

A once in a lifetime treat

The city of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, continues to modernize. However, the sections of the city that form part of history are its most photographed areas. The historic spots within the city continue to make it irresistible to tourists visiting the country.