Plaza Independencia
Plaza Montevideo's main plaza featuring statue and gateway
Montevideo’s Plaza Independencia sits between Ciudad Vieja and the modern centre, framed by Palacio Salvo and the Artigas mausoleum; people visit for monuments, civic events and nearby museums.
Plaza Independencia is Montevideo’s principal civic square that separates the Ciudad Vieja (Old City) from the Centro business district. The plaza contains the equestrian monument to national hero José Gervasio Artigas, with his remains interred in a mausoleum beneath the monument.
Facing the square is the landmark Palacio Salvo, a 1920s tower that defines the plaza’s skyline, and nearby is the Puerta de la Ciudadela, a surviving section of the colonial city gate. The square functions as a civic and ceremonial space with surrounding government buildings, offices and pedestrian routes.
Historically it has served as Montevideo’s symbolic heart and a focal point for public events and memorial ceremonies. The plaza sits at the head of the old city and is easily reached from nearby streets and public transport nodes.
- Central memorials: The plaza marks the boundary between Ciudad Vieja and the central business district; the equestrian statue of José Artigas stands at its centre above a subterranean mausoleum.
What to See #
- Mausoleum of Artigas: The Mausoleum and equestrian monument dedicated to national hero José Gervasio Artigas, located beneath and at the centre of the square.
- Palacio Salvo: The Palacio Salvo, an iconic 1920s high-rise facing the square that was once one of South America's tallest buildings.
- Puerta de la Ciudadela and approach: The nearby Puerta de la Ciudadela and surrounding streets that mark the transition from the old city to the commercial centre.
How to Get to Plaza Independencia #
Plaza Independencia sits in central Montevideo at the end of Avenida 18 de Julio; it’s in the city centre and easily reached on foot from surrounding downtown streets. From Tres Cruces bus terminal the plaza is a short bus ride or about a 15-25 minute walk; by car it is immediately accessible from main city roads (parking is limited in the centre).
Tips for Visiting Plaza Independencia #
- Visit early in the morning to access the Artigas Mausoleum beneath the square while crowds are smaller and to see the central plaza with softer light on Palacio Salvo.
- Approach the plaza from the Ciudadela/Puerta de la Ciudadela side to feel the transition between the old city and the civic center, then follow Calle Sarandí behind the square for quieter cafés and galleries.
- Don't skip the underground mausoleum and its changing of the guard - the monument to Artigas is at the heart of the square and many visitors only glance at the surface-level monuments.
Best Time to Visit Plaza Independencia #
Visit in spring or autumn for mild weather and manageable crowds; summer is lively but busiest.
Weather & Climate near Plaza Independencia #
Plaza Independencia's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 6°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (889 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 88 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
