Plaza República Oriental del Uruguay

Across the expanse of Plaza República Oriental del Uruguay, a bronze figure stands tall. It gazes towards Buenos Aires, a silent observer of the bustling city. This is José Gervasio Artigas, Uruguay’s national hero. Plaza República Oriental del Uruguay serves as a tribute to him and the nation he helped shape. The plaza, nestled between Avenida del Libertador, Avenida Figueroa Alcorta, Calle Austria, and Calle Tagle in the Recoleta neighborhood, is more than just green space. It’s a bridge between two nations, Argentina and Uruguay. Once the site of River Plate’s football field, the plaza transformed in 1938. Now, it houses a magnificent monument to Artigas. Sculpted by José Luis Zorrilla de San Martín and designed by architect Alejandro Bustillo, the monument captures Artigas’s commanding presence. The bronze figure rests on a sturdy pedestal, flanked by two bas-reliefs. These reliefs depict “Liberty” and “Federation,” ideals central to Artigas’s vision. Four bronze griffins guard the monument. They symbolize the mighty rivers: Río de la Plata, Uruguay, Paraná, and Paraguay, the lifeblood of the region. Plaza República Oriental del Uruguay provides a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle. Yet, it’s also a place brimming with historical echoes. Just across Calle Tagle lies Plaza República de Chile, marking the border between Palermo and Recoleta. The imposing building of Argentina Televisora Color (ATC), designed by Clorindo Testa, stands across Avenida Figueroa Alcorta. Even the Biblioteca Nacional can be glimpsed from this vantage point. Plaza República Oriental del Uruguay offers more than just a scenic vista. It offers a glimpse into the shared history and enduring connection between Argentina and Uruguay.