Gateway of the Citadel (Puerta de la Ciudadela)
The Basics
The Gateway of the Citadel stands at the outer edge of Independence Square, next to a statue of José Gervasio Artigas, the founding father of Uruguay. Hear the history of founding of the city and the gateway during a guided sightseeing tour, driving around the city to learn about the Old City’s historic buildings and plazas, and top landmarks such as Parliament Palace, before venturing out to Montevideo’s elegant residential neighborhoods and beaches.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Gateway of the Citadel is an ideal spot for history buffs and anyone looking for a relaxing park for picnics and people-watching.
- At the center of Independence Square is a mausoleum with the remains of José Gervasio Artigas.
- Explore the plentiful nightlife options in Old City, as well as the Port Market, a 19th-century market building filled with restaurants and bars.
Trip ideas
How to Get There
The Gateway is located on the west side of Independence Square, easy walking distance from any part of Montevideo’s Old Town. Major attractions such as Constitution Plaza, Torres Garcia's Museum, Museum Government House, and Museum of Tango are within a few blocks.
When to Get There
The Gateway is a pleasant meeting place any time of the day into the early morning hours when revelers leave the Old City bars to make their way home. Since no cars are allowed in the Independence Square area, you’ll find admiring the gateway up close and taking a photo easy to do.
Wildcard
Palacio Taranco Bridging the Old City of the Gateway era and the modern New City is Palacio Taranco, a mansion designed in a French style fashionable at the turn of the 20th century. The former home of one of the city’s most affluent families now houses the Museum of Decorative Arts (Museo de Artes Decorativas), with rooms are filled with marble imported from France, period furniture, and portrait paintings of Velazquez, Goya, Ribera, among others. Live jazz performances are frequent and admission is free.
- Torres García Museum (Museo Torres García)
- Solís Theatre (Teatro Solís)
- Montevideo Independence Plaza (Plaza Independencia)
- Andes Museum 1972 (Museo Andes 1972)
- Salvo Palace (Palacio Salvo)
- Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral de Montevideo)
- Pre-Columbian and Indigenous Art Museum (MAPI)
- Montevideo Cruise Port (Puerto de Montevideo)
- Montevideo City Hall (Palacio Municipal)
- Montevideo Legislative Palace (Palacio Legislativo)
- El Milongón
- Montevideo Agricultural Market (Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo)
- Rambla of Montevideo (Rambla de Montevideo)
- Pocitos
- Football Museum (Museo del Fútbol)