A calm seaside city on Uruguay's Atlantic coast, with palm-lined streets and a traditional central plaza. Local artisans sell handmade goods at the Plaza San Fernando market.
Maldonado, Uruguay's fourth most populated city, lies 67 miles east of Montevideo. In the city center, you'll find the white-walled San Fernando Cathedral with its distinctive bell tower, and the restored 18th-century Dragoons' Barracks, now housing the city museum. Beyond the historic center, the wavy concrete spans of El Puente de la Barra bridge connect Maldonado to the beaches of Punta del Este, while local vineyards produce wines from Uruguay's signature Tannat grapes.
Main Attractions in the City Center
The San Fernando Cathedral dominates Plaza San Fernando with its white façade and bell tower dating from 1895. Inside, you'll find a 19th-century wooden crucifix recovered from local beaches. The cathedral opens daily from 8 AM to 7 PM.
The restored Dragoons' Barracks, built in 1771, now houses the Regional Museum. Its exhibits include artifacts from indigenous settlements and colonial-era military equipment. The museum opens Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM.
Maldonado's Wine Region
Tannat grape vines grow on the granite-rich slopes around Maldonado, where cool Atlantic breezes influence the grape ripening process. At Alto de la Ballena vineyard, you can walk through the vineyards and taste their signature Tannat-Viognier blend. Viña Edén's modern winery sits on a hilltop with views toward the Atlantic. Both wineries run tours daily between 10 AM and 4 PM, but you'll need to make reservations in advance.
Neighborhoods
The tree-lined streets of Barrio Histórico contain colonial-era houses with distinctive red-tiled roofs and wrought-iron window grilles. Over two dozen restaurants and cafes line Calle SarandÃ, the main pedestrian street. The modern Avenida Roosevelt district has shopping centers and banks.
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