monument · Cáceres, MT
Marco do Jauru
Carved from lioz limestone in Lisbon to mark the border set by the Treaty of Madrid, it was planted at the mouth of the Jauru River in 1754. In 1883 it was moved to the square in front of the cathedral, where it remains.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Marco do Jauru
The Marco do Jauru is a stone monument that marked the border between the lands of Portugal and Spain in South America. It stands on Praça Barão do Rio Branco, in downtown Cáceres, right in front of the Catedral de São Luiz, and is one of the city's symbols.
The piece was carved from lioz limestone in Lisbon and brought here after the 1750 Treaty of Madrid, which redrew the boundaries between the two crowns. In 1754 it was planted at the mouth of the Jauru River, on the Paraguay River. In 1883 the marker was moved to the old Largo da Matriz, now the central square, where it still stands. It is one of the few colonial boundary markers preserved in the country.
The monument has a wide pedestal and a tall shaft topped by a cross. On one face there is a coat of arms and a Latin inscription. It is worth walking around it and taking a close look at the details.
The surrounding square is tree-lined, has benches and sits at the heart of the historic center of Cáceres, listed by Iphan (the national heritage institute). It is a quick, easy stop for history lovers, families and anyone exploring the city on foot.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
15 to 30 minutes, or a little longer if you add the cathedral and the square.
Best time
Late afternoon, when the heat eases and the low light brings out the stone and the cathedral facade behind it; in the dry winter the sky is usually clearer.
How to get there
It is on Praça Barão do Rio Branco, in downtown Cáceres, in front of the Catedral de São Luiz. You can walk from downtown; the bus station is less than 1 km away. Cáceres is about 220 km from Cuiabá on the BR-070.
Tip
Combine the visit with the Catedral de São Luiz and a walk past the mansions of the historic center to the bank of the Paraguay River. Bring water and a hat during the hottest hours.
A look at the place
Marco do Jauru in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Marco do Jauru
What is the Marco do Jauru?
A monument of lioz limestone made in Lisbon to mark the border between the lands of Portugal and Spain set by the 1750 Treaty of Madrid. Today it stands in the central square of Cáceres (MT).
Where is the Marco do Jauru?
On Praça Barão do Rio Branco, in downtown Cáceres, in front of the Catedral de São Luiz.
Why is the Marco do Jauru in Cáceres and not on the Jauru River?
It was planted in 1754 at the mouth of the Jauru River, on the Paraguay River, and in 1883 it was moved to the old Largo da Matriz, now the central square of Cáceres, where it remains.
Is there a fee to see the Marco do Jauru?
No. The marker is in a public square and you can visit for free, at any time.
What is there to do near the Marco do Jauru?
Visit the Catedral de São Luiz, across the square, and walk through the historic center of Cáceres, listed by Iphan (the national heritage institute), to the bank of the Paraguay River.