Carmelo, Uruguay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carmelo
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City
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The Swing Bridge of Carmelo over the Arroyo de las Vacas
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 Carmelo, Uruguay
Location in Uruguay
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| Country |  Uruguay |
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| Department |  Colonia |
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| Founded | 12 February 1816 | ||
| Founded by | José Gervasio Artigas | ||
| Population
(2011 Census)
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| • Total | 18,041 | ||
| Time zone | UTC -3 | ||
| Postal code |
70100
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| Dial plan | +598 4542 (+4 digits) | ||
| Website | http://www.ciudadcarmelo.com/ | ||
Carmelo is a city in western Uruguay. It is part of the Colonia region. The city is well-known for its delicious wines.
Contents
Where is Carmelo?
Carmelo is located in the western part of Uruguay. A main road, Route 21, goes right through the city. This road connects Carmelo to Nueva Palmira in the northwest and Colonia del Sacramento in the southeast.
A Look Back in Time: Carmelo's History
How Carmelo Started
Long ago, in the 1500s, the Spanish built a fort nearby called Fuerte de San Lázaro. Later, in 1611, a governor named Hernando Arias de Saavedra brought cattle to this area. This led to a small community forming.
The City's Founder
The city we know today was officially started by José Gervasio Artigas on February 12, 1816. He is a very important national hero in Uruguay. Carmelo is special because it's the only city that Artigas himself founded. It became a full "city" on August 17, 1920.
How Many People Live Here?
In 2011, about 18,041 people lived in Carmelo. The city has grown a lot over the years!
| Year | Population |
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| 1908 | 9,364 |
| 1963 | 12,705 |
| 1975 | 13,707 |
| 1985 | 14,278 |
| 1996 | 16,658 |
| 2004 | 16,866 |
| 2011 | 18,041 |
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística de Uruguay
Cool Places to See in Carmelo
Carmelo has two main squares. One is Plaza Artigas. Here you can find a monument celebrating the city's founding. There's also the historic Templo Histórico del Carmen church and the city museum.
The other square is more of a shopping area. The main street for shops is 19 de Abril. This street leads to the famous bridge. After the bridge, it becomes Route 21, which takes you to other places like Colonia del Sacramento.
The Arroyo de las Vacas river flows along the city. This river is important for boats. On the north side, there's Puerto Carmelo-Tigre. Small boats called catamarans take passengers from here across the Río de la Plata to Argentina.
The Famous Swing Bridge
A special bridge called the Puente Giratorio de Carmelo crosses the Arroyo de las Vacas. It opened on May 1, 1912. This bridge can swing open to let boats pass through! It connects the northern part of the city to its smaller southern part.
On the southern side of the river, you'll find a port for private boats and the Yacht Club Carmelo. There's also a beach called Playa Seré, a park, a small zoo, and a Casino Hotel.
Places of Worship
- Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Church (Catholic)
- Our Lady of Pompei Church (Catholic)
Symbols of Carmelo
What's Around Carmelo?
The area between Nueva Palmira and Carmelo is great for tourists. You can visit places like Punta Gorda, Zagarzazú, and Colonia Estrella. Zagarzazú has a small airport and a fancy hotel with a golf course.
Just northwest of Carmelo is Juncal Island. This island used to have a well-known prison. The city is also close to the town of Las Víboras.
Famous People from Carmelo
Many talented people come from Carmelo!
- Juan Francisco Aragone: He was an important leader in the Catholic Church.
- Gonzalo Pérez Iribarren: A smart mathematician.
- Juan Carlos Mareco: A well-known actor.
- Atilio François: A famous cyclist.
- José Reinoso: A talented musician.
- Javier Gil: An artist who paints and sculpts.
- Lucy Cordano: The mother of a former president, José Mujica.
- Daniel E. Jorge, Jorge Buenahora, and Pedro Ciappesoni: All Olympic rowers from 1972.
See also
In Spanish: Carmelo (Uruguay) para niños
