General Artigas Central Station

The General Artigas Central Station in Montevideo is a monumental landmark of Uruguay's railway history. Inaugurated on July 15, 1897, it served as the country's main railway hub for over a century. Designed by the Italian engineer Luigi Andreoni, the station is a grand example of late 19th-century architecture, featuring an impressive metal and glass roof structure spanning the platforms. The station played a crucial role in Uruguay's development and expansion, connecting the capital with the country's interior and facilitating the transport of goods and passengers. It was declared a National Historical Monument in 1975. Regular passenger services ceased on March 1, 2003, and the station was closed, leading to a period of decay. In recent years, there have been numerous proposals and debates about its restoration and repurposing, with ideas ranging from a cultural center to the resumption of train services. Its empty halls are a reminder of a bygone era of prosperity and technological advancement.

Nearby cities

Montevideo

Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay.

History & landmarks

Telecommunications Tower

A modern skyscraper and the tallest building in Uruguay, used by Antel.

Palacio Salvo

This iconic building on Plaza Independencia was once the tallest in South America.

Santos Palace

The headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, an impressive historic building in Montevideo.

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.

Legislative Palace

The monumental seat of the General Assembly of Uruguay, known for its neoclassical architecture.

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.

More places

Independence Square

The most important square in Montevideo, forming the border between the old city and the new city center.

Estévez Palace

A historic building on Plaza Independencia that once served as the seat of the President of Uruguay.

Gateway of the Citadel

One of the few remaining parts of the city wall that protected colonial Montevideo.

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.

House of Fructuoso Rivera

The former residence of the first president of Uruguay, now an important branch of the National Historical Museum.

Port of Montevideo

Uruguay's largest seaport, handling the majority of its foreign trade.