Exploring Colonia

We had breakfast sitting in the sunny garden at our hostel and then went out to explore the town.

Colonia del Sacramento is a city in southwestern Uruguay, by the Río de la Plata, facing Buenos Aires in Argentina. Founded by the Portuguese in 1680, it is one of the oldest towns in Uruguay and has a population of around 27,000. Its historic quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our first stop was at the Basilica Santisimo Sacramento just next door. This fairly plain church was built in 1808, but much of the original building collapsed in an explosion in 1823. It was rebuilt later in the 19th century.

Colonia is a very attractive town with cobbled streets, ancient buildings, and colourful shops and cafés. There are photo opportunities everywhere. Tourists can hire electric buggies made to resemble vintage cars. These add to the lovely atmosphere on the streets.Read more