All historic houses to visit in Uruguay

Step into the past at 20 historic houses in Uruguay. These preserved homes offer a glimpse into the lives of notable figures and everyday people from different eras.

Are you interested in exploring historic homes? Here are the must-see historic houses in Uruguay:

  1. Romantic Museum1

    Romantic Museum

     Montevideo
    If you want to get to know Uruguayan history, visit this museum! It consists of several houses scattered around the city.
  2. Hill Fort2

    Hill Fort

     Montevideo
    La Fortaleza General Artigas, also known as Fortaleza del Cerro, is an old military fortress located in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. The fortress is situated on a hill overlooking the bay of Montevideo, offering visitors a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The fortress is a significant historical site, reflecting the military history of Uruguay.
  3. 3

    Tile Museum

     Colonia del Sacramento
    An unusual museum housed in an old home. Both French and Spanish old tiles can be seen here.
  4. Francisco Piria Castle4

    Francisco Piria Castle

     Piriápolis
    The Francisco Piria Castle, located near the city of Piriápolis in the Maldonado department of southeastern Uruguay, was originally built as a private residence for Francisco Piria. Piria was a renowned Uruguayan businessman, best known for creating the resort town of Piriápolis. The castle now serves as a museum and is visited by a large number of tourists throughout the year.
  5. Museum of Decorative Arts5

    Museum of Decorative Arts

     Montevideo
    The Museum of Decorative Arts is housed in the historic Palacio Taranco, located in the Ciudad Vieja neighborhood of Montevideo, Uruguay. This building, which has been the museum's home since 1972, is a significant part of the city's history and offers a unique setting for the museum's collection.
  6. Montevideo Cabildo6

    Montevideo Cabildo

     Montevideo
    During the colonial period, the building functioned as the Montevideo Cabildo and Royal Prisons. A significant event in the history of Uruguay took place within its walls when the first Constitution of the Republic was sworn in one of its rooms on July 18, 1830. This event marked a pivotal moment in the country's journey towards independence and democracy.
  7. Government House Museum7

    Government House Museum

     Montevideo
    The Government House Museum in Montevideo is a unique institution dedicated to the history of Uruguay's heads of state and their respective governments. It is a repository of the country's democratic history, offering visitors a chance to delve into the political past of Uruguay. The museum houses a variety of collections that pay tribute to the country's democracy through the lives and works of its presidents.
  8. Museum of Juan Zorrilla of San Martin8

    Museum of Juan Zorrilla of San Martin

     Montevideo
    The Zorrilla Museum is situated in the former summer house of the renowned poet Juan Zorrilla de San Martín. This historic building is nestled in the Punta Carretas neighborhood of Montevideo, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and times of the poet.
  9. Museo del Gaucho - BROU9

    Museo del Gaucho - BROU

     Montevideo
    The Museo del Gaucho y la Moneda is a museum in Uruguay that is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the country's cultural and historical heritage. It was established by the Directorio del Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay and is located in the Palacio Jackson, a three-story mansion that the Banco República acquired from the Peirano succession.
  10. Casa de Fructuoso Rivera (Museo Histórico Nacional)10

    Casa de Fructuoso Rivera (Museo Histórico Nacional)

     Montevideo
    Originally, the Casa de Rivera was designed as the residence of the city councilor Cristóbal Salvañach. It was later inhabited by General Rivera from 1834 to 1849. Today, this historical building houses the Museo Histórico Nacional. The museum offers a glimpse into the rich history of Uruguay, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in learning more about the country's past.
  11. Spanish Museum11

    Spanish Museum

     Colonia del Sacramento
    Devoted to the Spanish legacy of the city. Replicas of clothing, pottery, maps and other memorabilia are what you can see here.
  12. Vilamajó House Museum12

    Vilamajó House Museum

     Montevideo
    The Vilamajó House Museum is a unique attraction in Montevideo, Uruguay. It is situated in the house that was built by the architect Julio Vilamajó for his family in 1930. This house holds the distinction of being the first modern dwelling in Uruguay to be converted into a museum. This museum offers a unique insight into the life and work of Vilamajó, as well as the architectural and design trends of his time.
  13. Casa de Juan Antonio Lavalleja13

    Casa de Juan Antonio Lavalleja

     Montevideo
    The Casa del General Juan Antonio Lavalleja, located on Zabala Street 1469, between 25 de Mayo and Cerrito, in the Old City of Montevideo, is one of the branches of the National Historical Museum. This location is easily accessible and is situated in a historical part of the city, making it a convenient and interesting destination for tourists.
  14. Municipal Museum14

    Municipal Museum

     Colonia del Sacramento
    The colonial building houses a collection of items mostly related to social life in the past centuries.
  15. Museo de la Casa de Luis Alberto de Herrera15

    Museo de la Casa de Luis Alberto de Herrera

     Montevideo
    The Museo Quinta de Herrera, a division of the National Historical Museum of Uruguay, is situated in the Brazo Oriental neighborhood of Montevideo. It is located on Luis Alberto de Herrera Avenue, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. The museum offers a unique insight into the history of Uruguay and is a significant cultural landmark.
  16. Centro Cultural Casa de Artigas16

    Centro Cultural Casa de Artigas

     Sauce
    The Historical Museum Casa de Artigas, also known as Casa de los Artigas, Museum and Cultural Center Casa de Artigas or Cultural Center Solar Artigas, is a significant cultural landmark located in Sauce, Canelones, Uruguay on route 67. This location is easily accessible and offers a deep dive into the history and culture of Uruguay.
  17. 17

    The Barracks of the Dragons

     Maldonado
    This military basement was used by the Cuartel de Dragones since 18th century. Nowadays, it is used for expositions and ceremonies.
  18. 18

    Nacarello House Museum

     Colonia del Sacramento
    An 18th century Portuguese mansion and a great showcase of Colonial-style architecture, both from the inside and the outside.
  19. 19

    Mazzoni Museum

     Maldonado
    A very superb collection of fine colonial things. This writer and teacher donated his 12-room house to the city. Very interesting!
  20. 20

    Roberto Banchero Indigenous Museum

     Colonia del Sacramento
    Located in a 19th century house, this small museum displays all sorts of artefacts related to the native tribes.