Plaza de la Constitución

Welcome to Constitution Square, better known as Plaza Matriz, the oldest square in Montevideo. Back when the city was a Spanish fortified settlement called San Felipe y Santiago de Montevideo, this was its main square. It was actually the only public space at the time, and it didn’t even have defined boundaries. Its shape gradually emerged with the construction of two key buildings: the cathedral and the old cabildo. Cabildos were the administrative centers of Spanish colonial cities, responsible for managing municipal affairs under the Empire. The former cabildo stands behind you, right on the corner. Now look to your left, you’ll see a beautiful building just above the La Corte restaurant. That’s Club Uruguay, a private club founded in 1878 through the merger of two influential institutions: the Casino de Comercio, home to the city’s business elite, and Club Libertad, representing the social and political upper class. In 1885, Italian architect Luigi Andreoni unveiled this stunning structure, filled with lavish salons dedicated to leisure, celebration, and culture. Its eclectic façade blends elements of Renaissance, Baroque, and Mannerist architecture, and it’s been a designated historical monument since 1976. While you’re here, step inside the Metropolitan Cathedral, it’s the seat of the Archdiocese of Montevideo and the city’s main Catholic church. Inaugurated in 1804, it’s one of the rare examples of colonial-era architecture still standing in the capital and is also classified as a national historic landmark. In the center of the square, shaded by tall plane trees, you’ll find a lovely marble fountain created by the artist Juan Ferrari. It was unveiled in 1871 to mark the arrival of running drinking water in Montevideo, a big moment in the city’s history. If you’re lucky, you might stumble upon the local craft market often held here. It’s a great opportunity to wander among the stalls, meet local artisans, and discover their creations.