A Tour Of Uruguays Statues And Sculptures

Uruguay’s turbulent history is full of enigmatic figures who played fundamental roles in the founding of the nation as it exists today. That, coupled with a vibrant arts scene, means that the country is littered with impressive monuments, all with a unique story to tell. Join Culture Trip on a tour of Uruguay’s most significant statues and sculptures.

Punta del Este

In the glittering city of Punta del Este on Uruguay’s south coast is the country’s most well-known landmark: La Mano. A giant concrete hand rising from the sands of Playa Brava, it was designed by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal and has drawn hordes of onlookers since its completion in 1982. It’s meant to warn swimmers away from the powerful waves at surf-friendly La Barra and point them towards the balmy waters at Solanas in the opposite direction. It’s a popular photo spot in the summer months, with crowds of well-heeled Brazilian and Argentinean tourists jostling to take selfies.

Piriápolis

Montevideo

Uruguay’s quirky capital has a patchwork history. Head further west along Ruta 10 for a dose of the country’s culture and set out on a walking (or bus) tour to take in the city’s most powerful statues and sculptures. Start at the beautiful, sprawling Parque Rodó to catch a glimpse of Monumento a la Diligencia. It’s a homage to Uruguay’s early transportation industry, detailing a passenger carriage pulled by four powerful horses. This masterpiece was dreamed up by Uruguayan Realist sculptor José Belloni and inaugurated in 1952.

To the east is Parque Batlle, in the northeast of the city. Head there to see the magnificent La Carreta – an epic bronze sculpture depicting oxen and cart accompanied by soliders on horseback. It was created by Belloni in the 1930s to honour 19th century farmers. Just a few blocks south is the towering Obelisco a los Constituyentes, also known as the Obelisk of Montevideo. Standing at a proud 40 metres (130 feet) tall, it’s an unmissable reminder of the significance of the country’s first constitution, signed in 1830. Its three granite sides adorned with bronze statues represent three pillars of Uruguayan society: law, liberty and force.

Monumento a la Carreta Montevidéo, Uruguay

Heading back towards Centro is a statue that celebrates one of Uruguay’s most famous exports: tango. Montevideo’s main thoroughfare, Avenida 18 de Julio, is home to Monumento a Carlos Gardel – a bronze statue of the French-Argentinean singer, actor and tango maestro himself designed by Uruguayan artist Alberto Morales Saravia and installed on the 80th anniversary of Gardel’s death in a tragic plane crash. Often surrounded by tangoing couples, this jolly sculpture outside Bar Facal is an Instagram-worthy stop.

Paysandú

Nestled on Uruguay’s western border is the brewing city of Paysandú, celebrated for its local lager Norteña and its supple leather industry. It’s nearly a five-hour drive from the capital, through endless cattle fields dotted with palm trees. Situated at the focal point of the city’s Plaza Artigas is one of the country’s great tributes to the founder of the nation: Monumento al General José Artigas. The imposing statue depicts a war-ready Artigas astride a noble steed. It was designed by the Italian sculptor Ezio Ceccarelli and commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from Brazil and Argentina in 1828. Today, the plaza plays host to live music, fairs and national holiday celebrations.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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