PLAZA INDEPENDENCIA

A few years after independence, the demolition of the emblematic fortification of the colonial city, the Ciudadela (citadel), was ordered by President Baltasar Brum in order to expand the city and build the current Plaza Independencia. The latter marks the border between the Ciudad Vieja and the modern center, which begins with the 18 de Julio Avenue. At the heart of the latter, a monument was erected to the glory of General José Gervasio Artigas, where an imposing statue of 30 tons and 17 meters high represents him on his horse. It was made by the Italian sculptor Angelo Zanelli in 1923. Don't forget to go down the stairs to discover the impressive mausoleum of Artigas, a Stalinist underground space under the square, built entirely of concrete and decorated with engravings paying tribute to the father of the nation. His ashes rest in this modern space that was built during the dictatorship, and are guarded by two soldiers of the Blandengues regiment. On the walls are evoked episodes of the life of the hero and the birth of the Republic. A little Star Wars atmosphere floats in this monument that one does not suspect from the surface, and which remains very little frequented. Around the square, we can see the Palacio Estévez, the Palacio Salvo, the Puerta de la Ciudadela and the executive tower, the official workplace of the president. Finally, it is interesting to note that this is the only major plaza of the continent that is not overlooked by a Catholic church.