Fortaleza del Cerro (Hill Fortress), Montevideo
The Hill Fortress (Fortaleza del Cerro), also known as General Artigas Fortress, is a historic fortress located in Montevideo. It is perched atop Montevideo Hill (Cerro de Montevideo), the highest hill in the department, standing at an elevation of 134 meters above sea level. This strategic location provides a commanding view over the Bay of Montevideo and is situated within the Casabó neighborhood, west of Villa del Cerro.
Constructed on the orders of Governor Francisco Javier de Elío, the fortress was initiated in 1809 during a turbulent period marked by Spanish colonial interests. It was completed three decades later, in 1839, marking the last Spanish fort built on Uruguayan soil. The primary purpose of the Hill Fortress was to protect the inhabitants of Montevideo and its crucial port on the Río de la Plata from naval threats.
In 1916, the fort was repurposed to house the Military Museum, showcasing a variety of exhibits related to Uruguay's military history. Recognized for its historical value, it was declared a National Monument in 1931. Today, the Hill Fortress remains an important cultural landmark and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who come to explore its rich history and enjoy panoramic views of Montevideo and its surroundings.
Constructed on the orders of Governor Francisco Javier de Elío, the fortress was initiated in 1809 during a turbulent period marked by Spanish colonial interests. It was completed three decades later, in 1839, marking the last Spanish fort built on Uruguayan soil. The primary purpose of the Hill Fortress was to protect the inhabitants of Montevideo and its crucial port on the Río de la Plata from naval threats.
In 1916, the fort was repurposed to house the Military Museum, showcasing a variety of exhibits related to Uruguay's military history. Recognized for its historical value, it was declared a National Monument in 1931. Today, the Hill Fortress remains an important cultural landmark and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who come to explore its rich history and enjoy panoramic views of Montevideo and its surroundings.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Montevideo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Fortaleza del Cerro (Hill Fortress) on Map
Sight Name: Fortaleza del Cerro (Hill Fortress)
Sight Location: Montevideo, Uruguay (See walking tours in Montevideo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Montevideo, Uruguay (See walking tours in Montevideo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Montevideo, Uruguay
Create Your Own Walk in Montevideo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Montevideo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Montevideo Old Town Walking Tour
In 1683, the Portuguese founded a city called Colonia do Sacramento across the bay from Buenos Aires. Field marshal Manuel da Fonseca built a fort there he called Montevieu. In 1724, the Spanish governor of Buenos Aires, one-armed Bruno Mauricio de Zabala, forced the Portuguese out and changed the name of the city.
Bruno and the Spanish settlers called their new city "Saint Philip and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Bruno and the Spanish settlers called their new city "Saint Philip and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Prado District Walking Tour
A quiet, upscale barrio El Prado, in the north of Montevideo, is famous primarily for the sprawling park of the same name. Indeed, the city’s main green space, Parque del Prado is a major public venue made up of grassy fields, with the Arroyo Miguelete (Miguelete Creek) running through it, for which the neighborhood has been dubbed "the lung of the city".
Apart from the park,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Apart from the park,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles