Plaza Independencia
Plaza Independencia
4.5
About
This prominent plaza divides the old from the new Uruguay, and is surrounded by an interesting array of architectural styles. It also contains a statue of General Artigas, considered the father of Uruguay.
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The area
Neighborhood: Ciudad Vieja
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879 within 3 miles
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222 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
8,207 reviews
Excellent
3,538
Very good
3,505
Average
1,069
Poor
76
Terrible
19
Duquesadiner
Glasgow, UK1,408 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
We took a city tour round Montevideo and this was one of the places I was looking forward to seeing. Sadly it disappointed overall. Is there a city in South America that has more statues of men on horses or did we see them all in one day. Anyway it was busy with traffic, there seemed be an air of depression hanging around and other than the impressive Palacio Salvo I wouldn’t rate this Plaza as a top spot to see.
Written April 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndreToronto
Toronto, Canada641 contributions
Feb 2020
The Palacio Salvo is impressive and tours can be taken which give some nice views of the whole plaza from above. Well kept and a pretty plaza but fairly quiet for a big city. Worth a visit.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldTravelers34
Chicago, IL2,467 contributions
Jan 2020
The Plaza Independencia is the most important square in Montevideo, connecting the Ciudad Vieja and the city’s downtown. Several of the city’s most famous landmarks are located here, including the Palacio Salvo and the Teatro SolÃs. This is a must place to visit for anyone touring Montevideo.
Other notable structures surrounding the plaza include the stone gateway Puerta de la Ciudadela, a lonely remnant of the colonial citadel demolished in 1833; the 19th-century Palacio Estévez; and the 26-story Palacio Salvo, the continent’s tallest building when it opened in 1927, and still a classic Montevideo landmark.
Other notable structures surrounding the plaza include the stone gateway Puerta de la Ciudadela, a lonely remnant of the colonial citadel demolished in 1833; the 19th-century Palacio Estévez; and the 26-story Palacio Salvo, the continent’s tallest building when it opened in 1927, and still a classic Montevideo landmark.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarenM1_10
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan1,084 contributions
Feb 2023
There are several sites that you can see from this plaza, such as a piece of the Old Town Gate and the statue of Jose Gervasio de Artigas, who is referred to as the father of Uruguay. An underground mausoleum was built under the statue. When we arrived, it was roped off and tours were not available. There is a very large building that is located around the perimeter of the Plaza with a dome top. I do not recall the name but on the first level that is open are a variety of sculptures there that should not be missed. We just happen to stumble across them when we were looking for a store to buy drinks/snacks.
Written May 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GordonW318
Gloucester, UK1,242 contributions
Feb 2020
An imposing monument dedicated to Uruguay's national hero Jose Artigas dominates Independence Plaza. His remains are entombed inside this huge magnificent monument. At one end of the Plaza is a stone gateway that is one of the only remnants of the colonial citadel demolished in the early nineteenth century.
This area is a must visit in Montevideo.
This area is a must visit in Montevideo.
Written March 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dean-Traveller
Mugla, Türkiye883 contributions
Jan 2023
Plaza Independencia came into being after the demolition of the fortifications of the colonial city, affirming independence. One city gate remains as a memorial and makes an atmospheric way to walk into the square. The square marks the transition from old to new town in history and in geography.
In 1923 a monument to General Jose Gervasio Artigas was inaugurated, which consists of a 17-meter bronze equestrian statue with a granite base. Then in 1974 an underground mausoleum was created under the square for the remains of Artigas.
The square is surrounded by cafes and government buildings. It is large and grand with park areas that were added in the early 20th Century. A space to sit and look around at the architecture.
The Netflix series, Conquest, was filmed here in 2019.
In 1923 a monument to General Jose Gervasio Artigas was inaugurated, which consists of a 17-meter bronze equestrian statue with a granite base. Then in 1974 an underground mausoleum was created under the square for the remains of Artigas.
The square is surrounded by cafes and government buildings. It is large and grand with park areas that were added in the early 20th Century. A space to sit and look around at the architecture.
The Netflix series, Conquest, was filmed here in 2019.
Written February 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LMCM111
Perth, Australia664 contributions
Jan 2020
Lovely square which separates old from new parts of city. Statue of Artigas in middle and you can go down stairs to his tomb. Felt safer here than in many south American central plazas and enjoyed walking around area
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dakles
Southampton, UK1,329 contributions
Feb 2020
The square is nothing special and, if anything, a bit lacking. It has one statement building and a nice central statue but otherwise is just surrounded by busy roads. Lacking in any form of community integration.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peeceecee
Skipton, UK1,058 contributions
Feb 2020
A pleasant enough area but in the end it is just another square. It has the obligatory statue and at one end is the remains of the ancient gateway into the old town. One or two imposing buildings around the edges.
If you are visiting Montevideo, it is one of the places you will have to see.
If you are visiting Montevideo, it is one of the places you will have to see.
Written April 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FTichy
Celebration, FL2,510 contributions
Dec 2019
I was impressed by this place.
In the heart of the Old City, it is surrounded by historial buildings.
Mausoleum Artigas sits right in the middle of the square and it is free to visit.
There are benches around it and in a sunny day it's night to sit and people watch.
It has nice grassy areas and well kept flowers.
It is a "must visit" when in town.
In the heart of the Old City, it is surrounded by historial buildings.
Mausoleum Artigas sits right in the middle of the square and it is free to visit.
There are benches around it and in a sunny day it's night to sit and people watch.
It has nice grassy areas and well kept flowers.
It is a "must visit" when in town.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel f
Porto Alegre, RS143 contributions
Local rodeado de prédios belÃssimos, com arquitetura da época e bem conservados, permitindo ao turista ter uma idéia do inÃcio da capital Uruguaia.
Valda Maria Cam... T
Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil294 contributions
Realmente vale a pena conhecer
Ronald R
36 contributions
Por favor podrian corregir, el error ortografico de "plasa" por "plaza"
Gracias..
JOSE LUIS F
Bogota, Colombia37 contributions
Es un involuntario error de tipeo.
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Claim your listingPlaza Independencia - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Plaza Independencia
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Plaza Independencia:
- The Best Montevideo City Tour (From $36.00)
- Best Private & Personalized Tour of Montevideo (From $185.00)
- Best Private Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers (From $225.00)
- Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour (From $5.20)
- Montevideo private city tour with dinner included and tango show (From $200.00)
- Hotels near Plaza Independencia:
- (0.08 mi) Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel
- (0.08 mi) Holiday Inn Montevideo, an IHG Hotel
- (0.14 mi) Hotel Palacio
- (0.06 mi) Salvo Suites
- (0.17 mi) Smart Hotel Montevideo
- Restaurants near Plaza Independencia:
- (0.02 mi) Praga Restaurant y Café
- (0.03 mi) Cafe Salvo
- (0.06 mi) Myeong Ga Restaurante Coreano
- (0.08 mi) Arcadia
- (0.10 mi) PV Restaurante Lounge
- Attractions near Plaza Independencia:
- (0.00 mi) Monument to General José Gervasio de Artigas
- (0.01 mi) Curioso Free Tour
- (0.02 mi) Free Walking Tour
- (0.03 mi) Museo Casa de Gobierno
- (0.03 mi) Artigas Mausoleum
Plaza Independencia Information
Excellent Reviews | 3,538 |
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Very Good Reviews | 3,505 |
Plaza Independencia Photos | 4,599 |