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Fort · Punta del Diablo, Rocha
Fuerte de San Miguel
Colonial fort of pink granite stone atop Cerro de San Miguel, 7 km from Chuí, with a drawbridge and the Military History Museum. Next to it, Cerro Picudo has a marked trail to the summit.
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 Fuerte de San Miguel
Fuerte de San Miguel began in 1734 as a Spanish field fort. Three years later the Portuguese occupied the site and, from 17 October 1737, erected the stone construction that gave the fort its definitive form. In 1763 it returned to Spanish hands when taken by Pedro de Cevallos.
It sits atop the San Miguel range at 35 meters above sea level, with a rectangular plan and pentagonal bastions at the corners topped by guardhouses. It is smaller than the Fortaleza de Santa Teresa and was built with a pink granite stone from the region. Access is via a drawbridge over a moat.
After independence, the fort was abandoned and fell into ruin. It was rebuilt from 1933 according to the original plans and declared a national monument in 1937. Inside is the Military History Museum, with uniforms, decorations, weapons and replicas of colonial utensils.
In the surroundings there is a historic cemetery and the Museo Criollo, which houses a stagecoach from 1816 and a cart from 1880. A few meters from the fort, Cerro Picudo, about 100 meters high, has a marked trail to the top with views of Laguna Merín, the rice fields and Chuí.
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
About one hour at the fort; two hours if you include the Museo Criollo and Cerro Picudo.
Best time
Open every day, with longer hours in summer: check before you go. For the Cerro Picudo trail, choose morning or late afternoon.
How to get there
It is located on Ruta 19, about 7 km west of Chuí and 6 km from Laguna Merín. From Punta del Diablo it is about 50 km via Ruta 9 and Ruta 19.
Tip
Entrance is usually charged only in Uruguayan pesos; bring cash. Fit the fort visit into your trip to or from the Chuí border.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Fuerte de San Miguel
Where is Fuerte de San Miguel located?
On Ruta 19, about 7 km west of Chuí, atop Cerro de San Miguel, in the department of Rocha.
Who built the fort?
It began as a Spanish fortlet in 1734. The Portuguese occupied the site in 1737 and erected the current stone structure.
What is inside the fort?
The Military History Museum, with uniforms, weapons, decorations and replicas of colonial utensils.