Piriápolis: An Unexpected Tourist Destination in Uruguay
Piriápolis is a charming Uruguayan tourist town located on the Atlantic Ocean coast. It is less well-known compared to the more famous ports of Montevideo and Punta del Este (which are now familiar stops for cruise ships) but is equally interesting for its beautiful beaches, calm and crystal-clear waters, and temperate climate.
A visit to Piriápolis should begin at its viewpoint, Cerro San Antonio, a hill about 130 meters high offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding sea. It can be reached either by walking along a well-marked hiking trail or by taking the funicular. Once there, you will be greeted by the imposing statue of Neptune that dominates the horizon alongside the statue of Venus, both works by Uruguayan artist Juan Antonio Borges. The tranquility of the place is enhanced by the presence of a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Stella Maris, patron saint of fishermen. For the more adventurous, there’s the opportunity to try hang gliding or paragliding.
Within Cerro San Antonio lies Parque La Cascada, known for its beautiful waterfall. It can be reached by cable car or via numerous hiking trails leading to various scenic viewpoints and other park attractions, such as a natural spring fountain and an old lighthouse.
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Descending towards the city, a must-see attraction is the Castillo de Piria, built in 1893 and the symbol of the town. It is a majestic Gothic Revival-style building that was once the summer residence of its founder, Francisco Piria. Inside the castle, visitors can explore numerous elegantly furnished rooms, admire frescoes and artworks, and learn about Piria’s history and life. The castle also houses a museum dedicated to the founder of Piriápolis, featuring exhibits on his entrepreneurial vision and the city’s evolution over the years.
Franscisco Piria
Francisco Piria’s parents emigrated from Genoa to Uruguay in the early 1800s. His father made several trips to Uruguay on the ship “Francisco José” before settling permanently in Montevideo. Francisco studied in Italy, enlisted in the army, and returned to Montevideo at just sixteen. From his travels in Italy, he conceived the idea of creating a seaside town near the Uruguayan capital modeled after Diano Marina in the Ligurian Riviera. The seafront of Piriápolis, known as the “Rambla”, is indeed tree-lined in the Italian style.
He dedicated all his creative energy and substantial financial resources to become one of the major tycoons of South America, founding the newspaper “La Tribuna Popular”, constructing the seafront, and inaugurating the monumental “Hotel de los Argentinos” in 1930, the most luxurious hotel in all of Latin America, accommodating 1,200 guests.
Another interesting landmark is the Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Pilar, a picturesque and historic Catholic church built in 1903 with Gothic Revival architecture and an elegant white facade. It is famous for hosting a wide variety of religious and cultural events throughout the year and is surrounded by a vibrant city atmosphere with numerous restaurants, shops, and nightlife venues.
From here, visitors can enjoy a pleasant walk along the picturesque Rambla of Piriápolis, which stretches for 10 km and hosts various events and activities, such as musical performances, food festivals, and craft fairs. It connects the city center with the beach, an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming in the Atlantic, snorkeling, and kayaking.
PIRIAPOLIS
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A perfect spot for a photograph is Fuente Venus, a waterfall constructed in 1910 that flows through a curved staircase, creating a magical and evocative atmosphere. The fountain is surrounded by a beautiful garden with panoramic views of the city and the sea.
The town also features thermal baths at the foot of Cerro San Antonio, offering a wide range of spa treatments for relaxation and pampering, as well as the famous Argentino Hotel Casino & Resort. This luxurious hotel provides a combination of high-quality accommodation, gourmet restaurants, a casino, and stunning sea views.
From Piriápolis, several excursions are possible. First, visit its main beach, Playa Piriápolis, one of the most beautiful in the country with warm, crystal-clear waters and golden sand. Then, take a ferry from the city’s main pier to Gorriti Island, an enchanting natural paradise located about 2 kilometers offshore. Gorriti is known for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Mar del Plata, with lush vegetation.
Here, you can engage in watersports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and fishing or explore the island’s trails to admire its diverse flora and fauna. The island also features the historic lighthouse built in 1858 and the ancient fort that reflects the region’s military history.
With its natural beauty, rich history, and numerous activities, Piriápolis is a destination that is definitely worth visiting during a trip to Uruguay.
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