Colonia del Sacramento

Uruguay's oldest city, the attractive Colonia de Sacramento, lies just across the River Plate from Buenos Aires, linked by a regular ferry and hydrofoil service.

Uruguay's oldest city, the attractive Colonia de Sacramento, lies just across the River Plate from Buenos Aires, linked by a regular ferry and hydrofoil service. A short walk from the ferry terminal is the charming historic center - a maze of narrow cobbled streets, often lined with vintage cars, clustered around a lighthouse. It was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the notable attractions are a clutch of elegant colonial buildings and tours of the historic quarter include the original Portuguese fortifications, the Plaza de Armas, the ruined Convent of San Francisco and the San Carlos bullring.