Happy TravellerWelcome to Maldonado, the capital of Maldonado Department in Uruguay. With a population of over 62,000 people, it is the ninth most populated city in the country. Maldonado is a beautiful city with a rich history and many attractions for tourists to enjoy.
History:
Maldonado’s name dates back to January 1530 when Sebastian Cabot, an Italian explorer, left his Lieutenant, Francisco Maldonado, in what is now the bay of Maldonado. After the Treaty of Madrid, the military governor of Montevideo suggested to the King that they should establish two populations, one in Maldonado and the other in Minas. In August 1755, still waiting for a response from the King, the governor decided to leave with some families and head towards Portezuelo. It was there that Maldonado was founded. The population was able to survive and grow due to the profits from growing crops and raising livestock. When the governor returned 20 months later, he brought 7 indigenous families with him and incorporated them into the small village to help the population grow. He also moved the settlement to their current site. The buildings that are built around the town square in Maldonado today, including the cathedral, are reminiscent of traditional Spanish style, giving evidence that the Spanish royalty were involved in the growth and development of Maldonado. In May 1783, the population had grown and the villagers gave Don Luis Estremera the power to oversee the creation of a city council, thus legally establishing the city 25 years after Viana had founded it. After years of attempts, on March 14, 1787, an election was held and approved 8 days later, and the City Council of Maldonado was elected and the Town of Maldonado became the City of San Fernando De Maldonado in honor of Ferdinand VI of Spain.
Geography:
Maldonado is located on Route 39 and shares borders with Punta del Este to the south, Pinares – Las Delicias to the south and to the east and suburb La Sonrisa to the north. Together they all form a unified metropolitan area. The next city to the north is San Carlos, only 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) away on Route 39. East of the city flows the stream Arroyo Maldonado.
Climate:
Maldonado has an oceanic climate (Köppen: Cfb) with mild winters and without snow. The summers are warm (recently hot occasionally), similar to southeastern Australia. By being in the way of the Malvinas/Falkland current and in the bottleneck of the continent, it generates a rare temperate climate typically of the ocean in an east coast. But the city is close to a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), consolidating in the coming decades.
Population:
In 2011, the city of Maldonado had a population of 62,590. According to the Intendencia Departamnetal de Maldonado, the municipality of Maldonado has a population of 105,000.
Main Sights:
Maldonado has many remarkable sights for tourists to enjoy. Some of the most popular include:
– San Fernando de Maldonado Cathedral, a neoclassic cathedral begun in 1801 and completed in 1895
– Cuartel de Dragones (The Dragoons Barracks), a Spanish garrison begun in 1771 and completed in 1797
– Torre del Vigia (meaning tower of vigilance or, more simply, watchtower), built in 1800 under the direction of Rafael Pérez del Puerto; its function was to inform the authorities of the entrance in Buenos Aires of the approach of any ship to the Río de la Plata
– El Puente de la Barra, a stressed ribbon bridge, where the roadbed swoops up, down, and back up and down once more, demonstrating an exceptional economy of material
– Casapueblo hotel
Places of Worship:
Maldonado has several places of worship, including:
– Cathedral of St. Ferdinand (Roman Catholic)
– Church of Our Lady of the Remedies (Roman Catholic)
– Church of Our Lady of the Thirty-Three (Roman Catholic)
Notable Residents:
Maldonado has been home to several notable residents, including:
– Alberto Abdala (1920–1986), Vice President of Uruguay from 1967 to 1972
– Johnny Aquino (1978- ), Association Football midfielder for Sarmiento de Junín
– Maite Cáceres (2003- ), racing driver
– Martín Campaña (1989- ), goalkeeper for Cerro Largo FC
– Fernando Clavijo (1956- ), retired soccer player for the Colorado Rapids
Maldonado is a beautiful city with a rich history and many attractions for tourists to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s historic landmarks, enjoying the local cuisine, or simply relaxing on the beach, Maldonado has something for everyone. So why not plan your next vacation to this charming city in Uruguay today?
