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Independence Square

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

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Plaza Independencia is Montevideo's most important square, marking the division between the Old City (Ciudad Vieja) and the downtown area. The square was designed by architect Carlo Zucchi in 1837, conceived as a symbol of Uruguayan independence. At its center stands the imposing Artigas Mausoleum, a subterranean monument that houses the ashes of national hero José Gervasio Artigas, crowned by a 17-meter-high equestrian statue. The square is surrounded by some of Montevideo's most iconic buildings, including the Palacio Salvo, the Solís Theatre, and the Estévez Palace, the former government house. At one end of the square is the Gateway of the Citadel (Puerta de la Ciudadela), the last remaining section of the old city walls that once encircled Montevideo. Plaza Independencia is not only an architectural ensemble but also a central venue for national celebrations, political demonstrations, and the daily life of the city's residents.

Location: Uruguay
Top sights: Palacio Salvo · Government House Museum · Mausoleo a José Gervasio Artigas
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

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Visiting

Independence Square is the most important square in Montevideo, separating the old city from the new city center. It is freely accessible and you can see the statue of General Artigas and the mausoleum.

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Typical hours

The square is open 24/7. The mausoleum and surrounding buildings typically have daytime opening hours, often 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Photography

Photography on the square is allowed. For shots inside the mausoleum, ask about rules.

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Time needed

A visit to the square takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If you also tour the mausoleum, allow an extra 20 minutes.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with a stroll through the old town (Ciudad Vieja) and the pedestrian street. The Teatro Solís is also a short walk away.

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Getting there

The square is in central Montevideo, easily reachable by bus or taxi. Many downtown hotels are within walking distance.

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Insider tip

Visit the square in the late afternoon when the light is especially nice. Watch the changing of the guard at the mausoleum - a popular photo subject.

Geography

Coordinates

-34.90670, -56.19890

Facts

Designed by Italian architect Carlo Zucchi in 1837.
The Artigas Mausoleum was inaugurated in 1977.
The equestrian statue of José Artigas is 17 meters tall.
The Puerta de la Ciudadela was demolished in 1829 and later rebuilt.
Palacio Salvo was the tallest building in South America upon its completion in 1928.
The square has a total area of approximately 26,000 square meters.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Palacio Salvo<1 km · NExplore →

Legislative Palace2 km · NEExplore →

Montevideo Free Port2 km · SExplore →

ANCAP La Teja Refinery4 km · SEExplore →

Montevideo4 km · NExplore →

Pittamiglio Castle5 km · NExplore →

Antel Arena6 km · NEExplore →

Fortress of the Cerro7 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Independence Square (10)

Palacio Salvo

Skyscraper in Montevideo, Uruguay, a landmark of the city.

Government House Museum 🏛 museum

Museum in Uruguay, former government building in Montevideo.

🌐 museo.presidencia.gub.uy🕒 Mo-Fr 10:00-17:00🆓

Mausoleo a José Gervasio Artigas

Mausoleum in Montevideo, Uruguay, resting place of national hero Artigas.

Centro de Fotografía de Montevideo 🏛 museum

Public cultural institution in Montevideo, Uruguay, focused on photography.

🌐 cdf.montevideo.gub.uy

Puerta de la Ciudadela

Historic monument in Montevideo, gate of the former citadel.

Museo Torres García🏛 museum

Art museum in Montevideo dedicated to artist Joaquín Torres García.

Teatro Solís

Theatre in Uruguay, one of South America's most important opera houses.

Auditorio Nelly Goitiño

Cultural center in Montevideo, part of the Teatro Solís complex.

Peatonal Sarandí

Pedestrian street in Montevideo's old town with shops and cafes.

Auditorio Nacional "Adela Reta"

Architectural structure in Montevideo, concert hall of SODRE.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Plaza Independencia?

It is Uruguay's most important square, home to the Artigas mausoleum.

Can you visit the mausoleum?

Yes, access to the underground mausoleum is free.

Is the square safe at night?

It is busy, but as in any big city, caution is advised.

What is nearby?

Teatro Solís and the old city gate are right next door.

How long does a visit take?

A 30-minute walk is usually perfectly sufficient.

Independence Square: where is it located?

Independence Square is located in Uruguay.

Independence Square: what is there to see?

Highlights include Palacio Salvo, Government House Museum, Mausoleo a José Gervasio Artigas.

Independence Square: when is the best time to visit?

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

Independence Square: why is it worth visiting?

Plaza Independencia is Montevideo's most important square, marking the division between the Old City (Ciudad Vieja) and the downtown area.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Independence Square

Best time to visit & climate