Mausoleum of José Gervasio Artigas

The Artigas Mausoleum, located in the center of Plaza Independencia in Montevideo, is a national monument dedicated to Uruguay's national hero, José Gervasio Artigas. Inaugurated in 1977, it houses the remains of Artigas in an underground chamber, directly beneath his imposing equestrian statue. The statue itself, a work by Italian sculptor Angelo Zanelli, was unveiled much earlier in 1923. The mausoleum was constructed during the civic-military dictatorship, which has led to some controversy over its austere, modernist architecture of granite and marble. Access is via two staircases that descend into a dark, solemn space where the funerary urn rests on a central pedestal. Engraved on the walls are important dates from Artigas's life. The site is permanently guarded by an honor guard, the Blandengues de Artigas, the same regiment that Artigas himself founded in the late 18th century. This monument is a place of great civic importance and a symbol of national identity and sovereignty, honoring the memory of the 'Father of the Uruguayan Nation'.

Nearby cities

Montevideo

Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay.

History & landmarks

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.

Legislative Palace

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

More places

Gateway of the Citadel

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

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.