Last updated on December 20, 2023.

The city of Colonia del Sacramento is an old colony founded by the Portuguese in 1680. It changed hands several times, between Spain, Portugal, and Brazil. It has been a part of Uruguay since 1828. Colonia makes for an easy and popular day trip from Buenos Aires by ferry.

Colonia is not a place that has knockout attractions – the historic town itself is the attraction and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spending a day wandering through the charming cobblestone streets, sipping coffee or having lunch at one of the many outdoor restaurants, and enjoying the scenery is as good as Colonia gets. It’s the type of place where time passes by extremely slowly.

 

Field Gate

You can enter the city through the Field Gate (Portón de Campo), the city gate and drawbridge on the old city wall. The wall runs all the way to the Río de la Plata to form the Bastion of San Miguel (Bastión de San Miguel).

Field Gate in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Field Gate
Field Gate in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Field Gate
City walls in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
City walls

 

Plaza Mayor

The Field Gate opens onto Plaza Mayor. Around the plaza are a couple museums, the Portuguese Museum (Museo de Portugues) and the Municipal Museum (Museo Municipal). I didn’t visit either.

Plaza Mayor in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Plaza Mayor

There are also a few sets of ruins. Flag Bastion (Bastión de la Bandera), once part of the fortifications, is on the northeast corner. The Viceroy’s House (Casa del Virrey) is on the northwest corner.

Flag Bastion (Bastión de la Bandera)
Flag Bastion
Viceroy's House in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Viceroy’s House

The ruins of the San Francisco Convent (Convento de San Francisco), dating back to the 17th century, is on the southwest corner of Plaza Mayor.

 

Lighthouse

Behind the San Francisco Convent is Colonia’s mid-19th century lighthouse. Admission is U$35 (as of November 2023) to go up to the top for a panoramic view of the entire town. They also take Argentinian pesos. It’s typically open Thursday through Sunday.

Lighthouse in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Lighthouse
San Francisco Convent in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
San Francisco Convent
Lighthouse in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Lighthouse
View from the lighthouse in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
View from the lighthouse

 

Street of Sighs

Off Plaza Mayor, there are several streets to stroll through and admire the scenery. The most famous and scenic street in the entire town is the Street of Sighs (Calle de los Suspiros).

Street of Sighs (Calle de los Suspiros) in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Street of Sighs
Street of Sighs (Calle de los Suspiros) in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Street of Sighs
Looking down the Street of Sighs
Looking down the Street of Sighs
Window on the Street of Sighs
Window on the Street of Sighs

 

Plaza de Armas

A few steps north of Plaza Mayor is Plaza de Armas. The center of the plaza has a walkway and interpretive panels about the foundations around it.

Plaza de Armas in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Plaza de Armas

On the north end of Plaza de Armas is the Basilica of the Holy Sacrament (Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento), also known as the Matriz Church (Iglesia Matriz). It was originally built by the Portuguese in 1680. The present structure dates back to 1810 and is one of the biggest structures in town. It’s also considered one of the oldest parishes in Uruguay.

Basilica of the Holy Sacrament in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Basilica of the Holy Sacrament
Basilica of the Holy Sacrament in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Basilica of the Holy Sacrament

 

Antique Cars

There are several restaurants and shops nearby the church. The one directly across the street has converted two antique cars into somewhat of a tourist attraction. One of the cars is its own dining room and the other one is full of plants and flowers.

Dining car in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Dining car
Dining car in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Dining car
Garden car in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Garden car
Garden car in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Garden car

 

Paseo San Gabriel

On the western end of town, Paseo San Gabriel makes for a pleasant walk along the Río de la Plata. Along it is the Tile Museum (Museo Azulejo), featuring antique tiles, and a gigantic flag of Uruguay on the far southern end. There’s also a chance to see a breathtaking sunset if you’re there late enough in the day.

Paseo de San Gabriel in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Paseo de San Gabriel
Tiled map of Colonia del Sacramento on Paseo de San Gabriel in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Tiled map of Colonia del Sacramento
Paseo de San Gabriel in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Paseo de San Gabriel
Sunset in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Sunset

 

More Pictures

I’ll leave you with a few images of the enchanting streets of Colonia del Sacramento.

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Colonia del Sacramento
Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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