Plaza Independencia facts for kids
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| Location | Centro, Montevideo |
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| Construction | |
| Inauguration | 1837 |
Plaza Independencia (Spanish for 'Independence Square') is the most important city square in Montevideo, Uruguay. It was created in the 1800s in the area where an old fort, the Citadel of Montevideo, once stood. In the center of the square, there is a large monument to General José Gervasio Artigas. Below this monument, you can find his special underground tomb, known as the mausoleum.
This famous square is located in the Centro neighborhood, right on its edge with the Old City. Plaza Independencia has been used for many important political gatherings and public events. Some well-known buildings around the square include the Palacio Salvo, Solís Theatre, Estévez Palace, and the Executive Tower.
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History of Plaza Independencia
After Uruguay became independent, the old walled city was opened up. In 1837, a "New City" (Ciudad Nueva) was planned. The architect Carlo Zucchi designed Independence Square for this new area. He was inspired by the famous Rue de Rivoli in Paris.
During the 1800s, the square became very important for the country. This was because the Estévez Palace, which was the home of the Uruguayan Government, was built there.
Designing the Square's Look
In the early 1900s, a French landscape architect named Carlos Thays was in charge of designing the square's green spaces. Before this, the square had been mostly empty. Thays created four beautiful flower beds with fountains and plants. He also planted his signature palm trees, which you can still see today.
In 1923, a large monument to General José Gervasio Artigas was officially opened. This happened when Baltasar Brum was president. The monument features a 17-meter (about 56-foot) bronze statue of Artigas on horseback. It sits on a granite base carved by Angelo Zanelli.
The Artigas Mausoleum
On September 27, 1974, during a time when the military was in charge of the government, a plan was approved to build an underground mausoleum for Artigas. This mausoleum would be located right under the square. Artigas's remains had been in the National Pantheon since 1972. They had been brought back to Uruguay from Paraguay, where he passed away in 1850.
The mausoleum was designed by architects Lucas Ríos Demalde and Alejandro Morón. It has two wide granite staircases that lead down to an underground room. In this room, you can see the urn holding José Artigas's remains. A granite structure behind the monument above acts as a skylight, letting light into the mausoleum.
The mausoleum was finally opened to the public on June 19, 1977. This date is Artigas's birthday and a national holiday in Uruguay. The site has a permanent honor guard from the "Cuerpo de Blandengues," which was the first group of soldiers Artigas served with. The changing of the guard ceremony is a big event and a popular sight for visitors.
Geography of Plaza Independencia
The square is surrounded by several important landmarks. To the west, you'll find the old Gateway of the Citadel and the start of the Peatonal Sarandí pedestrian street. To the east is the Palacio Salvo and the beginning of 18 de Julio Avenue, which is the city's most important road.
On the southwest side is the Solís Theatre. The Executive Tower and the Estévez Palace are to the south. Both of these buildings are used by the government's executive branch. To the north, you can see the Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza.
Events at Plaza Independencia
Since 2010, Plaza Independencia has been used for presidential inaugurations. This is where the new president receives the presidential sash. The square is a central part of the city and is located in front of the Executive Tower, where the president works. However, the official swearing-in ceremony for the President and Vice President happens at the Legislative Palace.
In May and June 2009, an exhibition called "United Buddy Bears" was held in the square. This was only the second time this exhibition had been shown in the Americas.
Plaza Independencia is also the starting point for the Marcha de la Diversidad (Spanish for 'Diversity March'). This is an annual pride parade that celebrates the LGBTQ community in Uruguay.
See also
In Spanish: Plaza Independencia (Montevideo) para niños
- List of city squares in Montevideo
