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Church · Salto, Salto
Catedral Basílica San Juan Bautista
Salto's cathedral, dating from 1889, facing Plaza Artigas, with an eclectic façade and a bronze Christ by Edmundo Prati. It was elevated to a minor basilica in 1997.
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 Catedral Basílica San Juan Bautista
The Catedral Basílica San Juan Bautista is located on calle 25 de Agosto, between Uruguay and Artigas, facing Plaza Artigas. The origins of the first church on the site date back to 1811. The current temple was built starting in 1889, to plans by the Salesian architect Ernesto Vespignani, and completed in stages over the 20th century.
The style is eclectic, with a predominance of Baroque. In the 1940s the architect Rafael Ruano renovated the building. Inside there are paintings and sculptures by Uruguayan and foreign artists, including a bronze Christ by Edmundo Prati. Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral on May 9, 1988, and in 1997 it received the title of minor basilica.
Plaza Artigas, opposite, occupies an entire block between the streets Uruguay, Artigas, 25 de Agosto and 18 de Julio. It was formerly called Plaza Nueva and Plaza 18 de Julio. In the center stands the equestrian monument to José Artigas, also by Edmundo Prati, inaugurated in 1940 and cast in Italy.
Next to the horse, two bronze figures represent a blandengue and a gaucho, completing the ensemble. The square, with palm trees and benches, is the meeting point of the downtown area, one block from calle Uruguay, the main shopping street.
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
30 minutes to an hour, including the cathedral and the square.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, when the center is cooler in summer. Respect mass times when visiting the interior.
How to get there
It is located in downtown Salto, on calle 25 de Agosto, between Uruguay and Artigas, facing Plaza Artigas. From the rest of downtown you can walk there.
Tip
After the cathedral, walk along calle Uruguay, the downtown shopping street, with shops and cafés. Confirm the church's opening hours outside of mass before you go.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Catedral Basílica San Juan Bautista
When does the Catedral de Salto date from?
The present temple began to be built in 1889 to plans by Ernesto Vespignani, and was completed in stages in the 20th century.
Why is the cathedral a basilica?
It was granted the title of minor basilica in 1997. Pope John Paul II visited it in 1988.
What is in Plaza Artigas?
The equestrian monument to José Artigas, by Edmundo Prati, inaugurated in 1940, featuring the figures of a blandengue and a gaúcho.
Is the cathedral far from the center?
No. It is in the heart of downtown, facing Plaza Artigas and one block from calle Uruguay.