Colonia del Sacramento

Capital of Colonia department in southwest Uruguay, situated on the Río de la Plata (River Plate); population (1996) 19,077. The city stands across the river estuary from the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, with which it is connected by ferry. It possesses a fine harbour and an airport, and is an important commercial centre.

The town was founded by Portuguese settlers from Brazil in 1680. It has a well-preserved colonial quarter, which is notable for its narrow alleyways and historic buildings. There is a municipal museum in the house of Almirante Brown.