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Paysandú
Capital city
Basílica as seen from 18 de Julio street
Basílica as seen from 18 de Julio street
Paysandú is located in Uruguay
Paysandú
Paysandú
Location in Uruguay
Country  Uruguay
Department  Paysandú
Founded 1756
Elevation
34 m (112 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total 76,412
Time zone UTC −3
Postal code
60000
Dial plan +598 472 (+5 digits)
Climate Cfa

Paysandú is an important city in western Uruguay. It is the capital city of the Paysandú Department. This city is known for its rich history and diverse population.

History of Paysandú

Paysandú was first founded in October 1756. It became a recognized town before Uruguay gained its independence. Later, on June 8, 1863, it was officially made a "city" by a special law.

A famous battle took place here in December 1864. General Leandro Gomez led the Uruguayan forces. They defended the city against an invasion by Brazilian forces.

People and Population

In 2011, Paysandú had a population of 76,412 people. This makes it the fourth-largest city in Uruguay. Only Montevideo, Salto, and Ciudad de la Costa are larger.

The city has grown a lot over the years. In 1908, about 20,000 people lived here. By 2011, that number had grown to over 76,000.

Paysandú is a very diverse city. Many people from different countries have settled here. These include families from Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, and Russia. There are also people from Ukraine, Belgium, and various African nations.

Geography and Location

Paysandú is located right on the banks of the Uruguay River. This river forms the natural border between Uruguay and Argentina. The city is about 378 kilometers (235 miles) northwest of Montevideo. You can reach it by following Route 1 and Route 3.

Just north of Paysandú, you'll find the General Artigas Bridge. This bridge connects Uruguay with the Entre Ríos Province in Argentina. It's an important link between the two countries.

What is the Climate Like?

Paysandú has a humid subtropical climate. This means it has warm to hot summers. Winters are cool, and sometimes there is frost or fog. Rain falls throughout the year, but winters are a bit drier.

The average yearly rainfall is about 1,181 millimeters (46.5 inches). The average temperature for the year is around 19 °C (66 °F). Paysandú holds a record for the highest temperature ever in Uruguay. On January 20, 1943, it reached 44.0 °C (111.2 °F). The lowest temperature ever recorded here was -7.4 °C (18.7 °F) in June.

Economy and Industries

Paysandú is an important center for different industries. Some of the main businesses include:

  • Norteña brewery: A company that makes beer.
  • Azucarlito: A sugar production company.
  • Paylana: A factory that produces high-quality woolen fabrics.
  • Paycuero: A company that works with leather.

The city is also a big part of Uruguay's plantation forest industry. Many companies here plant and harvest Eucalyptus trees.

Paysandú - Puerto 2
A welcome sign in the old port of Paysandú

Transportation

The city has its own airport, called Tydeo Larre Borges International Airport. This helps people travel to and from Paysandú.

Fun and Recreation

Paysandú offers great places for fun and relaxation. There are nice beaches along the Uruguay River. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer to keep everyone safe.

The city is also home to many sports clubs. You can find clubs for:

  • Rowing
  • Yachting
  • Football (soccer)
  • Rugby
  • Hockey
  • Tennis
  • Polo

Education in Paysandú

Paysandú has good educational opportunities. It has a branch of the University of the Republic. This is called the Centro Universitario de Paysandú.

Places of Worship

Paysandú has several churches where people can worship:

  • Parish Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Benedict of Palermo (Roman Catholic)
  • St. Raymond and St. John Bosco Parish Church (Roman Catholic)
  • Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Church (Roman Catholic)
  • St. Joseph the Worker Parish Church (Roman Catholic)

Famous People from Paysandú

Many notable people have come from Paysandú.

Politicians

  • Reinaldo Gargano: He served as the Foreign Minister of Uruguay.
  • Jorge Larrañaga: A well-known Senator.
  • Raúl Sendic: He was the Vice-President of Uruguay.

Football Players

Musicians

  • Los Iracundos: A famous music group.
  • Alfredo Eusebio Gobbi: A well-known tango musician.

Other Notable People

  • Clotilde Luisi (1882–1969): The first woman to study law at the University of the Republic.
  • Ricardo Armentano: A respected professor and researcher.
  • Cecilia Comunales (born 1988): A world champion boxer.

Sister Cities

Paysandú has special connections with other cities around the world. These are called "sister cities" or "twinned cities."

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Paysandú para niños

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