Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Square · Carmelo, Colônia
Plaza Independencia
Carmelo's central square, with the church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, the town's patron saint, and cafés and restaurants around. It's the starting point for exploring the centre on foot.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Plaza Independencia
Plaza Independencia is the heart of Carmelo, a town founded on 12 February 1816 by José Gervasio Artigas, who ordered the old settlement of Las Víboras moved to the mouth of the Arroyo de las Vacas. It is a tree-lined square, surrounded by shops and traditional restaurants.
Facing the square is the church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, the town's patron saint. The façade is the centre's postcard image.
A few blocks away are the Casa de la Cultura, at the corner of 19 de Abril and Ignacio Barrios streets, which hosts exhibitions, and the Archivo y Museo del Carmen, in a building dating from 1848–1849 in front of Plaza Artigas, with a religious collection and documents of local history.
From the square to the Puente Giratorio and the bank of the Arroyo de las Vacas is a short walk through the centre.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to an hour, including the church and a coffee.
Best time
In the late afternoon and evening, when the square comes to life and the surrounding restaurants open. Dinner typically starts after 9 pm.
How to get there
It is located in Carmelo's centre. The bus agencies that connect the town with Colonia and Montevideo are about 100 metres away.
Tip
Combine the square with the walk to the Puente Giratorio. The opening hours of the Archivo y Museo del Carmen and the Casa de la Cultura are limited; check before you go.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Plaza Independencia
What is in Plaza Independencia de Carmelo?
The church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, the city's patron saint, as well as cafés, restaurants and shops around it.
Who founded Carmelo?
José Gervasio Artigas, on February 12, 1816, when he moved the settlement of Las Víboras to the mouth of the Arroyo de las Vacas.
Can you walk from the square to the swing bridge?
Yes, the Puente Giratorio is a few blocks away, at the southern end of the center.