Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo is located in the south of Uruguay, on the natural harbour of the Rio de la Plata on the opposite coast of Buenos Aires. In the 17th century, the Portuguese built the Colonia del Sacramento not far from here, despite the Spanish claim to the site. The dispute was not settled until 1726, when the governor of Buenos Aires, Mauricio de Zabala, founded Montevideo. In 1828 the city became the capital of Uruguay. The population of Montevideo today is about 1.4 million inhabitants. Life in the city is varied and multi-layered.

After Uruguay won its independence, the Parliament building was erected in Montevideo. Known as the Palacio Esteviz, the building was used for official ceremonies for many years. In 1928, US President Herbert Hoover visited Uruguay. The then President of Uruguay, Campistegui, received him at the Palacio Esteviz. The Presidents' Museum was created here to commemorate this event.

Nearby is the Plaza Independencia, containing the chronology of Uruguayan history. Next door is the Palacio Salvo-a beautiful building designed by the Italian architect Mario Palanti. Completed in 1925, this 100-metre-high palace with a 26-storey tower was the tallest building in South America.

In the central square is the statue of General José Artigas on horseback. An Argentine by birth, Artigas was a hero of Uruguay's struggle for independence. An interesting experience here is the biggest celebration in all of Uruguay-the local carnival in February-March. Montevideo is surrounded by a continuous stretch of golden-white sand beach that attracts many tourists from Brazil, Argentina and other countries.