Imagine bullfights right here at Plaza Matriz. Hard to believe now isn’t it? This is the oldest city square in Montevideo. Plaza Matriz is also known as Constitution Square.
Founded in 1726, Plaza Matriz was the main square. It was the only open public space in the Fortress City of San Felipe and Santiago of Montevideo. For a long time the Plaza Matriz was just a dusty plain. Buildings started rising around it towards the end of the 18th century. The square became a venue for official events. Celebrations and even bullfights took place here.
Look around you. The Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral stands to the west. The Cabildo is to the east. Casa Vaeza, headquarters of the National Party, is also to the east. To the south you’ll find Peatonal Sarandí and Club Uruguay. The headquarters of the Ministry of Transport and Public Works are to the north of Plaza Matriz.
In 1851, Plaza Matriz was redesigned. Diagonal paths were lined with trees. Benches and lanterns were added making the square more appealing. An important project started in 1868. It brought water from the Santa Lucía River to Montevideo. This involved a steam pump and a 60 km pipeline.
Pause for a moment and picture this. In 1871, water arrived at Plaza Matriz for the first time. A new fountain was created by architect Juan Manuel Ferrari. President Lorenzo Batlle y Grau inaugurated it. The fountain became the centerpiece of Plaza Matriz. It featured griffins and national symbols. These surrounded a circular pool and an ornate column. In 2011, the central fountain was restored.
Today Plaza Matriz remains a vital spot in the Old City. It is a commercial and tourist hub. It is flanked by pedestrian streets like Peatonal Sarandí. Offices, government buildings, banks and shops surround it. Cultural institutions are nearby. Plaza Matriz is a focal point for locals and visitors. Take a moment to soak it all in. This square has witnessed centuries of Montevideo’s history. From bullfights to a modern tourist destination, Plaza Matriz has always been at the heart of the city.