Historical Background At the times of the Spanish discovery (1516), the territory now occupied by the Oriental Republic of Uruguay was inhabited by indigenous groups living in primitive conditions. However, these peoples showed an innate and indomitable sense of freedom and independence which they defended bravely and unyieldingly against the invaders. This is what made the Charrúa Indians famous, their aggression and their bravery in combat, giving origin to the expression 'garra charrúa', meaning 'Charrúa endurance' still used by the Uruguayans to refer to courage and bravery. The National Historic museum of Montevideo keeps some utensils and war weapons of indigenous origin.

Cultural Background Countries are a reflection of their cultural patrimony. This is the reason for this panoramic look on some of the manifestations that make up the Uruguayan patrimony, which is made of its historical legacy, Christian and European and with the indigenous roots which emerge from its native soil. Ever since its birth, the young Uruguayan nation had curiosity for intellectual and spiritual matters, outlining its cultural profile through its sons who outstood in the fields of thought, literature, arts and sciences. Although it would be fair to name many illustrious figures of our national artistic circles, this synthesis only allows us to include some of them, the most illustrious ones whose work is still recognized not only in the national sphere but also out of borders.

Port of Montevideo The characteristics of the River Plate have been one of the essential elements for the development of our territory. Our geography played a vital part for the maritime communication lines that united the new continent to the old continent, offering protection to the ships in its coasts and in the Montevideo Bay in particular. There were other natural bays within the coast of the River Plate, such as the Bays of Maldonado, Santa Lucía or Colonia del Sacramento.

Anchorena park It is located on the coast of the Department of Colonia, at a place known as Barra de San Juan, 208 Kms. west from Montevideo city. It covers a 1370-hectare surface, a donation of Mr. Aarón de Anchorena to the State, for the installation of a park with educational and general interest purposes, for the leisure and welfare of the population. It was declared a 'Protected Area' in the aim of preserving its flora, fauna, the beauty of its landscape and its cultural, historical and archaeological heritage, on January 31st. The access is through Route 21which joins Colonia and Carmelo, on Km 198. It is also possible to arrive by fluvial way through the access canal from the River Plate.

Santa Teresa The Santa Teresa park covers a area of 3,000 hectares and has over 2 million trees. Even if Rocha is the land of the Indigenous forests (forests of autochthonous trees), in Santa Teresa the forestation was carried out using a different criterion, including native and exotic flora. The result is a spectacular park, well taken care of, designed with a great aesthetic sense. It has the largest rose garden in the country, with more than 330 different kinds of roses.

The great Fortifications by the Sea Of the old imperial struggles for possession of these lands between Spain and Portugal, there remain two magnificent witnesses to those confrontations in the eastern part of Uruguay, along route 9, in the department of Rocha.

The Chuy Post Station In mid XIX Century, the young Uruguayan state, unable to take charge of the infrastructure of its routes in the vast interior, allowed a private enterprise to construct a bridge which would contain the floods of the Chuy del Tacuarí stream.

Colonia del Sacramento : Between two Empires The Historical Borough of Colonia del Sacramento, which was declared "Cultural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO in 1995, is a privilege bestowed upon us, in order to relive our past.

Calera de las Huérfanas : Work and Faith Because of their missionary and cultural efforts, and especially for their way of organising the work of the indians, the Jesuits played a key role in South American history.

The Pablo Neruda Museum In Atlántida, 45 kilometres east of Montevideo along the Inter-coastal Route...

Cultural Montevideo The capital of Uruguay is a feast for lovers of culture. Museums, theatres, exhibitions, shows, popular feasts... there is an intense agenda all year round and the city itself is a collection of art and history.

Recollections of a Battle In the port of Montevideo, we find a monument with the anchor of the German pocket battleship "Admiral Graf Spee", which was one of the contenders in "The Battle of the River Plate", during the Second World War.

Museum of the Industrial Revolution The British left a particularly strong mark in the department of Rio Negro.