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Cabildo of Montevideo

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Historical site
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Cabildo of Montevideo (Uruguay)

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The Cabildo of Montevideo is a prominent historical building located in Plaza Matriz, in the heart of Montevideo's Old City. Its construction began in 1804 and was completed in 1812, designed by architect Tomás Toribio in the neoclassical style. It originally served as the seat of the colonial government and a jail. After Uruguay's independence, it became the headquarters of the legislative branch and a government palace. The building played a central role in the nation's history; it was here that Uruguay's first Constitution was sworn in 1830. It retained its function as the parliament building until 1925, when the legislature moved to the Palacio Legislativo. In 1958, the Cabildo was converted into the Municipal Historical Museum and Archive. Today, it houses a collection of artifacts, documents, and artworks illustrating the history of Montevideo and Uruguay. The building was declared a National Historic Monument in 1975.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232321181512101213161921
Rain mm10210611811484989289961039686

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Cabildo of Montevideo is a historic building now operating as a museum. Inside, you can visit the room where Uruguay's first constitution was signed in 1830.
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Typical hours
The museum is typically open Tuesday through Sunday in the morning and closes in the afternoon. It is usually closed on Mondays and holidays. Exact hours may vary by season.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the interior without flash. Some rooms with delicate exhibits may have restrictions - follow the staff's instructions.
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Time needed
Allocate about one and a half hours for the visit. If you also explore the surrounding historic streets and squares, expect two hours or more.
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Combine with
Combine perfectly with Montevideo's old town, the cathedral, and the presidential palace. The History of Services Museum is also just a few steps away.
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Getting there
The Cabildo is located in central Montevideo on Plaza Constitución. It is easily reached on foot from many hotels or by bus lines stopping in the old town.
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Insider tip
Visit the museum in the early morning when it is still quiet. Use the audio guides to learn more about Uruguay's constitutional history.

Geography

Coordinates
-34.90690, -56.20440

Facts

  • Designed by architect Tomás Toribio.
  • Construction lasted from 1804 to 1812.
  • Uruguay's first Constitution was sworn in here on July 18, 1830.
  • Served as the seat of parliament until 1925.
  • Became the Municipal Historical Museum in 1958.
  • Located in Plaza Matriz, the colonial city's main square.
  • Built in the Neoclassical architectural style.
  • Declared a National Historic Monument in 1975.

Explore nearby

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Telecommunications TowerTelecommunications Tower2 km · NEExplore →
ANCAP La Teja RefineryANCAP La Teja Refinery3 km · SEExplore →
MontevideoMontevideo4 km · NExplore →
Pittamiglio CastlePittamiglio Castle6 km · NExplore →
Fortress of the CerroFortress of the Cerro6 km · SExplore →
Antel ArenaAntel Arena7 km · NEExplore →
World Trade Center MontevideoWorld Trade Center Montevideo8 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cabildo of Montevideo (3)

Museo Gurvich🏛 museum

Dedicated to the artist José Gurvich, this museum showcases his constructivist murals and ceramics.

🕒 Mo-Fr 10:00-18:00; Sa 11:00-15:00

Capilla de la Medalla Milagrosa📍 landmark

This small chapel in the Old City is a quiet place of prayer dedicated to the Miraculous Medal.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Cabildo de Montevideo?
It is a historic building that served as a town hall and prison.
Is there a museum inside the Cabildo?
Yes, it houses the city's Historical Museum today.
What is the entry fee?
Visiting the museum is generally free of charge.
Am I allowed to take photos?
Photography without flash is permitted in the exhibition rooms.
When is the Cabildo closed?
Museums are often closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Cabildo of Montevideo: where is it located?
Cabildo of Montevideo is located in Uruguay.
Cabildo of Montevideo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Espacio Cultural Edificio Artigas, Museo Gurvich, Capilla de la Medalla Milagrosa.
Cabildo of Montevideo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Cabildo of Montevideo: why is it worth visiting?
The Cabildo of Montevideo is a prominent historical building located in Plaza Matriz, in the heart of Montevideo's Old City.
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Nearby cities

Montevideo — Cabildo of Montevideo (Uruguay)
Montevideo
Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay.

History & landmarks

Metropolitan Cathedral — Cabildo of Montevideo (Uruguay)
Metropolitan Cathedral
The main Catholic church in Montevideo, located on the Plaza de la Constitución.
Solís Theatre — Cabildo of Montevideo (Uruguay)
Solís Theatre
The oldest theatre in Uruguay, playing an important role in the cultural life of Montevideo.
Taranco Palace — Cabildo of Montevideo (Uruguay)
Taranco Palace
An elegant French-style palace in the Old City that houses the Museum of Decorative Arts.
Mausoleum of José Gervasio Artigas — Cabildo of Montevideo (Uruguay)
Mausoleum of José Gervasio Artigas
An impressive mausoleum in Plaza Independencia housing the remains of the national hero.
Palacio Salvo — Cabildo of Montevideo (Uruguay)
Palacio Salvo
This iconic building on Plaza Independencia was once the tallest in South America.
Port Market — Cabildo of Montevideo (Uruguay)
Port Market
A historic market hall in the Old City of Montevideo, famous for its barbecue restaurants.
Santos Palace — Cabildo of Montevideo (Uruguay)
Santos Palace
The headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, an impressive historic building in Montevideo.
Telecommunications Tower — Cabildo of Montevideo (Uruguay)
Telecommunications Tower
A modern skyscraper and the tallest building in Uruguay, used by Antel.

More places

Lavalleja&#39;s House — Cabildo of Montevideo (Uruguay)
Lavalleja's House
The colonial residence of Juan Antonio Lavalleja, a national hero of Uruguay, which now serves as a museum.
House of Fructuoso Rivera — Cabildo of Montevideo (Uruguay)
House of Fructuoso Rivera
The former residence of the first president of Uruguay, now an important branch of the National Historical Museum.
Solís Theatre — Cabildo of Montevideo (Uruguay)
Solís Theatre
The oldest and most important theater in Uruguay, opened in 1856 with classical architecture.
Taranco Palace — Cabildo of Montevideo (Uruguay)
Taranco Palace
A magnificent palace of French architecture in Montevideo, which now houses the Museum of Decorative Arts.
Gateway of the Citadel — Cabildo of Montevideo (Uruguay)
Gateway of the Citadel
One of the few remaining parts of the city wall that protected colonial Montevideo.
Estévez Palace — Cabildo of Montevideo (Uruguay)
Estévez Palace
A historic building on Plaza Independencia that once served as the seat of the President of Uruguay.
Independence Square — Cabildo of Montevideo (Uruguay)
Independence Square
The most important square in Montevideo, forming the border between the old city and the new city center.
Port of Montevideo — Cabildo of Montevideo (Uruguay)
Port of Montevideo
Uruguay's largest seaport, handling the majority of its foreign trade.