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Gateway of the Citadel
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Historical site
The Puerta de la Ciudadela (Gateway of the Citadel) is an iconic monument in Montevideo and one of the few surviving remnants of the old city wall. The original gate was erected in 1742 as part of the fortifications that surrounded the colonial city of San Felipe y Santiago de Montevideo. It served as the main entrance to the citadel, a fortress built to protect the city from attacks. The current gate, a reconstruction, was designed by military engineer Diego Cardoso between 1746 and 1870. Its massive stone walls and drawbridge were typical of 18th-century military architecture. In 1877, the city walls were demolished to allow for urban expansion, but the gate was preserved due to its historical importance. It was moved to its current location at the western end of Plaza Independencia, marking the symbolic entrance to the Ciudad Vieja (Old City). The gate stands as a powerful symbol of Montevideo's colonial past and a popular meeting point.
- Location: Uruguay
- Top sights: Portón de San Pedro · Puerta de la Ciudadela · Government House Museum
- Nearby: Las Piedras (12 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 23 | 21 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 102 | 106 | 118 | 114 | 84 | 98 | 92 | 89 | 96 | 103 | 96 | 86 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Gateway of the Citadel is one of the few remaining parts of Montevideo's city wall, visitable for free. As an open-air monument, it is accessible from the outside at any time; the interior is usually not open.
Typical hours
As it is an open monument in public space, there are no opening hours. It can be visited at any time, best during daylight to see the details.
Photography
Photography of the gate and wall remnants is allowed at any time. For nice shots, use the morning light which softly illuminates the stone structure.
Time needed
Viewing the gate and surrounding area takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If you study the history of the city wall, allow 20 minutes.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk through Montevideo's old town, especially Plaza Independencia and the Teatro Solís. The port is also not far.
Getting there
The gate is centrally located in Montevideo's old town and is easily accessible on foot. By car you can park in surrounding streets, but the old town is best explored on foot.
Insider tip
Visit the gate early in the morning for the best light and fewer crowds. Read the information boards to learn more about the gate's significance for independence.
Geography
Facts
- Construction of the current gate began around 1746.
- Designed by military engineer Diego Cardoso.
- It was the main entrance to the old fortified city of Montevideo.
- The city walls were demolished in 1877.
- Today it is located at the entrance to Plaza Independencia.
- The gate was built using granite stone.
- Marks the entrance to the Ciudad Vieja (Old City).
- The monument to José Artigas is located just in front of it in the plaza.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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 Gateway of the Citadel (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Puerta de la Ciudadela?
This is the only remaining gate of the old city walls.
Where exactly is the gate located?
It stands right at the entrance to the old city, near Plaza Independencia.
Is there a cost to visit?
The gate is a public monument and is free to visit at any time.
How long does a photo stop take?
About 15 minutes is enough for photos and viewing.
Is the gate illuminated?
Yes, the gate is beautifully illuminated in the evening.
Gateway of the Citadel: where is it located?
Gateway of the Citadel is located in Uruguay.
Gateway of the Citadel: what is there to see?
Highlights include Portón de San Pedro, Puerta de la Ciudadela, Government House Museum.
Gateway of the Citadel: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Gateway of the Citadel: why is it worth visiting?
The Puerta de la Ciudadela (Gateway of the Citadel) is an iconic monument in Montevideo and one of the few surviving remnants of the old city wall.
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History & landmarks
Mausoleum of José Gervasio Artigas
An impressive mausoleum in Plaza Independencia housing the remains of the national hero.
Solís Theatre
The oldest theatre in Uruguay, playing an important role in the cultural life of Montevideo.
Palacio Salvo
This iconic building on Plaza Independencia was once the tallest in South America.
Metropolitan Cathedral
The main Catholic church in Montevideo, located on the Plaza de la Constitución.
Taranco Palace
An elegant French-style palace in the Old City that houses the Museum of Decorative Arts.
Santos Palace
The headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, an impressive historic building in Montevideo.
Telecommunications Tower
A modern skyscraper and the tallest building in Uruguay, used by Antel.
Port Market
A historic market hall in the Old City of Montevideo, famous for its barbecue restaurants.
More places
Estévez Palace
A historic building on Plaza Independencia that once served as the seat of the President of Uruguay.
Independence Square
The most important square in Montevideo, forming the border between the old city and the new city center.
Solís Theatre
The oldest and most important theater in Uruguay, opened in 1856 with classical architecture.
Cabildo of Montevideo
The historic city hall where the first constitution of Uruguay was signed in 1830.
Lavalleja's House
The colonial residence of Juan Antonio Lavalleja, a national hero of Uruguay, which now serves as a museum.
General Artigas Central Station
The abandoned historic central station of Montevideo, which opened in 1897 and is an architectural jewel.
House of Fructuoso Rivera
The former residence of the first president of Uruguay, now an important branch of the National Historical Museum.
Taranco Palace
A magnificent palace of French architecture in Montevideo, which now houses the Museum of Decorative Arts.