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Historic monument · Paysandú, Paysandú
Artigas Plateau
Plateau over cliffs up to 50 meters high on the edge of the Uruguay River, with the 1899 monument to José Artigas. To the north lay Purificación, the seat of the Liga Federal government between 1815 and 1818.
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 Artigas Plateau
The Meseta de Artigas is a plateau over the Uruguay River in the northern part of the Paysandú department, in an area of cliffs reaching 50 meters high. From here you can see the river and the Argentine shore.
It was north of the plateau that José Artigas, the hero of Uruguayan independence, set up the Purificación camp, the seat of the Liga Federal government between June 1815 and April 1818. The plateau was declared a national historic monument in 2003, along with plans for a national park in the surrounding area.
The monument, inaugurated on August 25, 1899, was the second erected to Artigas in the country. It is 37 meters tall: a pyramid-shaped base built with stones from the site, a column of pinkish granite, and at the top a bronze bust by sculptor Juan Azzarini, facing the river.
On site there is a visitor center and the interpretation center of the Casona del Patriarca, as well as camping areas and riverside grills. In September, thousands of horsemen come to the plateau for the Encuentro con el Patriarca, which commemorates the date of Artigas’s death.
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 2 hours for the monument, the viewpoint, and the interpretation center.
Best time
During the day, with light for the river view. In September, for the Encuentro con el Patriarca, the site fills with horsemen and visitors. Check visitor center hours before you go.
How to get there
By car, take Ruta 3 north to km 453, near Chapicuy, then about 15 km on an access road from the west to the riverbank. There is no direct public transport to the monument.
Tip
Combine the visit with the Termas de Guaviyú, which are along Ruta 3. Bring water and sunscreen: the plateau is exposed and has little shade near the monument.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Artigas Plateau
What is the Meseta de Artigas?
A plateau above the Uruguay River, in northern Paysandú, with the monument to José Artigas inaugurated in 1899. Near there, José Artigas established the Purificación camp, from where he governed the Federal League.
How do you get to the Meseta de Artigas?
By Route 3 to km 453, near Chapicuy, and then about 15 km via an access road from the west. A car is the most practical means.
What is the Encuentro con el Patriarca?
A horseback ride that brings together thousands of riders from all over Uruguay on the Meseta de Artigas, in September, in homage to José Artigas on the anniversary of his death.