Impressions of Colonia del Sacramento

Impressions of Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento is a charming city located in southwestern Uruguay. It’s a small but incredibly picturesque town with a rich history that dates back to the 17th century when the city was founded by the Portuguese in 1680. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site which protects the old buildings and much of the charm of the town. I recently visited it on a tour from the Viking cruise ship docked in Montevideo. In a big change for me, I’ll illustrate much of this article with impressionistic paintings of the town – I felt that the warmth and softer shapes and tones of these paintings gave a much better feel for what the old town actually felt like.

Entering Colonia del Sacramento via the town walls and gate
Entering Colonia del Sacramento via the town walls and gate

Most visitors enter the old town via the city gate and drawbridge, known as Puerta de la Ciudadela, and immediately on the left you get a gorgeous view down De San Pedro towards the River Plate, on the far banks of which can be found Buenos Aires.

View down De San Pedro in Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay towards the River Plate
View down De San Pedro in Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay towards the River Plate

This shows off one of the most famous sights that you see throughout the town – the antique streetlamps on wooden supports that can be found on almost every corner.

Following the street, you see the historic lighthouse over the flowering shrubs and walls of the town.

Old lighthouse giving tourists a bird's eye view of Colonia del Sacramento
Old lighthouse giving tourists a bird’s eye view of the town

As you look up Calle de los Suspiros, which translates to “Street of Sighs,” you’ll notice that the cobblestone streets are lined with colonial-style houses and small shops. This street is one of the most picturesque in the city and is perfect for a leisurely stroll. You’ll also find a few art galleries and souvenir shops along the way.

Calle de los Suspiros or Street of Sighs in Colonia del Sacramento
Calle de los Suspiros or Street of Sighs in Colonia del Sacramento

I’ve got to admit that I left the rest of my tour in the restaurant for lunch to get back to this street and try to photograph it without tourists wandering on the cobblestones. It worked!

Everywhere, there are ancient and solid wooden doors and the famous lanterns:

Solid wooden door flanked by the traditional street lantern in Colonia del Sacramento
Solid wooden door flanked by the traditional street lantern

Next, I headed to the Plaza Mayor, which is the city’s main square. The plaza is surrounded by historic buildings, including this one that is now used as a Portuguese museum:

Old building on Plaza Mayor that now houses a Portuguese museum
Old building on Plaza Mayor that now houses a Portuguese museum

I was particularly attracted to the old traditional lantern on the corner and thought that would make a great little image or painting in its own right.

Traditional old street lantern on the corner of a building on Plaza Mayor in Colonia del Sacramento
Traditional old street lantern on the corner of a building on Plaza Mayor in Colonia del Sacramento

Strolling further into the town, I reached the Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento, which is the city’s oldest church. The church’s interior is not particularly ornate by many European standards, but definitely very peaceful:

Calm interior of the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento in Colonia
Calm interior of the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento in Colonia

I wandered the streets around the square – some of which were packed with locals enjoying their lunch in the shade of restaurant umbrellas:

Local people enjoying a lunch in the shade of the trees by the main square
Local people enjoying a lunch in the shade of the trees by the church

Just around the corner on De Portugal, I came across this old car, now well populated inside by plants and bushes parked alongside the cobbled street.

Old car "parked" on the cobbled De Portugal street by the Casa Luthier bar in Colonia del Sacramento
Old car “parked” on the cobbled De Portugal street by the Casa Luthier bar in Colonia del Sacramento

As my wander continued, I caught glimpses of the wide estuary of the River Plate seen down a narrow road past a small cafe and bar:

Small street running down to the River Plate in Colonia del Sacramento with traditional lantern!
Small street running down to the River Plate in Colonia del Sacramento with traditional lantern!

Soon it was time to return to the church to meet my tour guide and party, who by now had enjoyed their dessert! Along the way, I strolled down Manuel Lobo and looked back to see this enchanting view of the street and the overhanging trees (with a lantern, of course).

View along Manuel Lobo shaded by the overhanging trees in Colonia del Sacramento
View along Manuel Lobo shaded by the overhanging trees in Colonia del Sacramento

And as we walked back to the gate and that original view down De San Pedro, I took a closer photo of the lamp and gave it a little treatment to suggest we were there at sunset rather than mid-afternoon.

Traditional street lantern at dusk in Colonia del Sacramento
Traditional street lantern at dusk in Colonia del Sacramento

In conclusion, a walking tour of Colonia del Sacramento is an excellent way to explore the city’s rich history and charming architecture. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a relaxing day out, Colonia del Sacramento is a must-visit destination in Uruguay.

This Post Has 6 Comments

  1. Great photos, treatment and commentary, probably best meal you ever skipped!

    1. Yes, I can’t understand why you would ride for 90 minutes on a coach (at least) then spend 1.5 hours in a restaurant eating so-so food when you are fed endlessly on the ship. So I quickly ate the main course and then walked around!

  2. My favorite is the one of people eating lunch on the street. I really feel the warmth in those colors.

    1. Yes, that was the first I did – the place lends itself to this sort of treatment!

  3. You keep adding to my to-do list!

    My main reason for eating meals on excursions is to sample new foods i won’t find on the ship (or more likely, local beers!)

    1. Yes, this was a pretty little place! Not too many local beers as far as I could tell!

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