Fortress of Santa Teresa: A Historic Coastal Stronghold
Explore the historic Fortress of Santa Teresa in Uruguay, a coastal stronghold offering a glimpse into colonial-era military architecture and history.
The Fortress of Santa Teresa, located within Santa Teresa National Park in Uruguay, is an 18th-century military structure originally built by the Portuguese in 1762 and later completed by the Spanish. This well-preserved fortress offers visitors a glimpse into the colonial conflicts between Spain and Portugal and its strategic importance in the region.
A brief summary to Fortress of Santa Teresa
- 9 km. 303, Rocha Department, 27204, UY
- +59844746541
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces within the fortress.
- Bring Uruguayan pesos for the entrance fee, as it's the only accepted currency.
- Visit during the week to avoid larger crowds.
- Combine your visit with exploration of the wider Santa Teresa National Park, including its beaches and gardens.
Getting There
-
Bus
From Montevideo, take a bus from Terminal Tres Cruces to Fortaleza de Santa Teresa. Viajes Cynsa and COT operate this route. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes. From the park entrance on Route 303, it is approximately a 2km walk to the fortress entrance. Bus fare is approximately $21–24 USD.
-
Car
From Rocha, drive east on Route 9 towards the coast. Turn north onto Route 303 and follow it for about 9 kilometers. The fortress entrance will be on your left, inside Santa Teresa National Park. Parking is available near the entrance for approximately $2 USD per hour.
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