Fortress of Fortaleza del Cerro

Fortaleza del Cerro is a fortress built by the Spaniards on the highest hill of Montevideo, popularly called Cerro de Montevideo, at an altitude of 134 meters above sea level. From this fortress there are good views of the city, in the center of which is the skyscraper Torre Antel.

The function of the fortress was to protect the city from enemy attacks. Montevideo is the last Spanish fort built in Uruguay.

Initially, a lighthouse was built on the site of the fortress in 1802. The old lighthouse was replaced by a more powerful one in 1907. Fortaleza del Cerro took part in many historical events and was repeatedly captured from all sides.

Since 1931, the fortress was recognized as a national monument. Since 1916, the fortress houses the Military Museum and a permanent exhibition on Uruguayan military history.