The Story Behind Independence Square

The history of the Plaza de la Independencia dates back to the early 19th century, when Uruguay was in the process of fighting for its independence from Spain, Portugal and neighboring Argentina and Brazil. The square was built in 1837 to commemorate the country's independence, hence the name “Plaza de la Independencia”. But what really gives this square its soul is the statue of José Artigas, the father of Uruguay, on horseback in the center of the square.

Artigas is riding a horse, holding the reins in one hand and seemingly guiding with the other, with a determined look in his eyes, as if he will never be defeated. There is also an underground mausoleum underneath this statue where his bones rest. You can follow the stairs at the edge of the square down to the basement level, where soldiers stand guard and the atmosphere is solemn and serene. Standing in front of the mausoleum, it's hard not to be overwhelmed by the weight of history. No matter where you come from, you will feel that kind of sacrifice for the freedom of the country.

Look at the architecture, it's also a pleasure

The architecture around Independence Square is really varied in style, yet flavorful. On one side, there are colonial style buildings in the old town, and on the other side, there are skyscrapers in the new town. The two eras are intertwined, like a dialog between history and modernity.

The most attractive building on the east side of the square is none other than Salvo Palace. This Gothic skyscraper, built in 1928, was the tallest building in South America in its day, and although it looks a bit old now, it has a really charming vintage look to it. The clock tower at the top of the building is especially eye-catching, with the sunlight shining on it during the day and the lights turning on at night, making it look especially dreamy.

There is also the Presidential Palace - Executive Mansion, the architectural style is solemn and elegant, not ostentatious but full of aura. Don't worry, not every presidential palace is heavily guarded, here near the side of the square is an open area, you can walk to the door to take pictures, and occasionally you can see the soldiers change of guard ceremony.

Around the square, there is also the National Theater, bank buildings, art galleries, small cafes and so on, basically behind each building has its own story, different angles to take pictures have a different sense of atmosphere, photography enthusiasts to come certainly can not walk.

Comfortable shopping, facilities must also keep up

In addition to Independence Square, it's really nice to stroll around. The ground is paved and smooth, so it's no problem to take a wheelchair or push a baby carriage, and it's very suitable for both the elderly and children. There are a lot of benches on the square, so if you are tired, you can sit down anytime to rest and have a drink of water and sunbathe.

There are also many cafes and food stalls around the area, where you can have a cup of “mate” (mate tea), a favorite Uruguayan herbal tea drink that may be a little bitter the first time you drink it, but the more you drink it, the more it will go down. You can also try the local snacks, such as the “chivito” (Uruguayan burger), which is a steak, ham, cheese, and egg served hot and full of energy.

If you want to use the restroom, you can usually borrow it from the mall or cafe next door, but it's more polite to pay for it. There are also public restrooms, but their locations may not be so obvious, so pay attention to the signs.

Transportation is also convenient, buses basically pass by here. There are many hotels nearby, from youth hostels to high-end hotels, walking distance to the square. If you come here by car, there is also a parking lot, but parking spaces may be tight during peak hours.

Tips: How to have a more authentic experience

Come in the morning: the morning sun is soft and there are not many tourists, so you can take great photos. The morning market has just opened and many cafes are open, so there are plenty of options for breakfast.

Don't miss the underground mausoleum: although many people come here to take photos, they don't really know that there is a mausoleum underground. It's free, there are no lines, and it's worth it to go inside.

Be safe: although Montevideo is relatively safe, there are a lot of tourists around the square and thieves love to visit. Don't carry your backpack on your back, don't always shake your cell phone out, and don't walk around alone at night.

Talk to the locals: Uruguayans are very friendly and many speak a little English. Don't be shy, talk to them and you'll hear a lot of interesting facts about the Plaza and even learn some authentic Spanish.

Bring a jacket: a city by the sea can change at any time, and even if the sun is shining, it can be windy and rainy all of a sudden. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons, summer is a bit sunny, and winter is not cold but windy.

Many people may think, “It's just a square, what's there to see?” But Independence Square is not the kind of place that can be seen at a glance. It is more like a living history book, walking and watching and listening, slowly turning the pages you will find the thickness and charm. This place holds Uruguay's past and connects it to its present and future. If you're only in Montevideo for a day or two, make sure you put this plaza on your itinerary. A walk here will not only allow you to take beautiful photos and drink coffee, but more importantly, you can really feel the heartbeat of the country. If traveling is about feeling, then Independence Square is the kind of place that makes you “feel”.