COLONIA
About Colonia
Having a glorious colonial past, Colonia stands out as one of the most important industrial pillars of this country. This province is on the banks of the River Plate with an area of 6144.4 square meters of generous and fertile land.
Spain did not give to much importance to this region because there were no precious metals to be found and because the Indians were fierce and this attitude discouraged the colonization until Hernandarias decided to bring cattle and establish settlements on the west of the river Uruguay.
The Portuguese, in 1680, sent Juan Manuel Lobo to found a fort which was going to be called; the New Colonia del Sacramento.
The Argentinean governor did not approve this idea and immediately tried to regain the place. Thus, a fight started, which would last for 100 years. What Spain won with their weapons here in America, was lost in diplomatic agreements in Europe. Finally, the Tratado of Madrid, of 1777, put Colonia under the reign of Spain.
The shield of Colonia is the symbol which best show the problems this province had to face in the past. Today the Unesco World's Cultural Patrimony has declared Colonia.
The old part of the city, which is typically Portuguese, has suffered the changes of time, and in spite of the changes imposed by progress, Colonia, still maintains its colonial flavor.
The city is in itself a journey into history; its streets full of perfumes and memories, where thousands of inquisitive eyes gazed at the horizon every morning. "Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo" is the heart of the historic neighbourhood, from there you may enter the Portuguese Museum, with its fantastic collection of china, clothing and weapons of the time. The tourist can also visit the municipal museum, called Admiral Brown's House. Archaeological and prehistoric remains are found there.
This epic atmosphere is not only found in the museums, walking along "Calle de los Suspiros" or going down Misiones de los Tapes, Caressing the old walls, arcs and stones that from part of the "Casa del Virrey", admiring the "Puerta del Campo" with the drawbridge, is something that cannot be explained in words and that calls for a respectful silence.
Colonia was one of the nine provinces where the Uruguayan history started. There are 117.600 inhabitants in Colonia nowadays.
The design of the new city was started in 1867; it was cine towards the east, by widening the now called Avenida General Flores. Different types of buildings were erected, for industry, commerce houses, and the cities were paved and reshaped.
Towards 1910, the "Plaza de Toros Real de San Carlos" was opened to the public; it included a hotel with a casino and St. Benito's Chapel.
The boulevard that surrounds the coast was built following a project done by engineer Francisco Gonnet in the year 1966. It unites the capital city with "Real de San Carlos". Between these two cities, the traveler will find different neighborhoods with a dense population.
There are various places to practice water sports all along the rivers Uruguay and Rio de la Plata. There id a colossal project that will give a great impulse to all the water sports and other activities. The building of a new port for yachts is under way, which promises to be one of the greatest sports port of the region with a total of 550 moorings, a special place for shops, a 220-room hotel, recreation areas, blocks of flats and a health club. The first part of this project will cost over 45 million dollars and it will finished by the year 1998.
The port in Colonia is one of the principal routes by which Argentineans enter our country. In a near future an international bridge, Colonia-Buenos Aires, will join these two cities.
Nueva Palmira has been referred to as "the door of the south" it is no doubt a deep port with modern equipment and natural fishing area. There is a free area of about 100 acres, which is ideal for industrial activities and also for storage operations, montage, and handling of products to be shipped duty free.
The region has always been good for cattle rising and also limes mining. Lime was imported to Buenos Aires and Montevideo, and it was taken from "Calera de Narbona".
The sands and the stone pits in the minuano region gave life to this town where Juan Lacaze started the export company in 1855. Sands and stones were exported to other countries. The National Paper Factory -FANAPEL- was built in 1859 and then the textile factory, Campomar y Soulas S.A in 1903.
Dairy products, fruits, vegetables and vines are to be found in the colonial landscape today. For many years, Colonia Suiza provided wheat to the capital city of Montevideo. The ruins of the first hydraulic mill are still to be seen today, and they are known as "Molino Quemado".
The milk industry is Colonia's principal activity. The school called "Escuela de Lecheria" part of the Polytechnic University is working in that area and supporting this activity. The Swiss Juan Karlen introduced the production of cheese of different varieties such as the Sbrinz, Yamandu, and Dambo, which are widely known.
The microclimate produced by the rivers Uruguay and Parana in Carmelo is ideal for the cultivation of vineyards. Irurtia has the greatest varieties of cines; some of them have been imported from France, Italy and Germany.
Among the institutions, which are using advanced technology "La Estanzuela" is a famous one. Dr. Alberto Boerger founded it in 1914. This center of investigation elaborates projects, which give aid to producer. Nowadays "La Estanzuela" belongs to the National Institute of Land and Cattle Investigation. Nearer the capital city, upon the mouth of the San Juan River, we find "Anchorena Park". The origins of this splendid mansion, surrounded by an exotic forest containing more then 150 species and a varied fauna, dates back to the beginning of this century.
Two friends Jorge Newberry and Aaron de Anchorena take from Buenos Aires in a balloon "Pampero", cross the river, and fly over this region. The calmness and beauty of this spot made Anchorena buy 11.000 hectares and build an estate where people could rest and work in a rural area.
Anchorena not only planted different kind of trees but also introduced the axis deer, original from India, and 500 boars from Caucaso. The descendents of these exotic animals still live in the forests of the park. Other species live black swans, ducks, hummingbirds, foxes, otters and capybaras abound.
The splendid house overlooks the River Plate, and not far from it lies the romantic stone chapel, which Anchorena dedicated to Santa Teresa. But what attracts the attention of the visitors is the memorial tower sited on the ruins of the historic San Juan, the building of which brings to mind the first Spanish foundation in the River Plate. The tower is 75 meters high, has 320 steps and it was meant to be a lighthouse for navigators and a water deposit.
When Anchorena died in the year 1965, he was the owner of 4700 hectares, and according to hid will, he donated the 1370 hectares that surround the house. Anchorena was buried there.
Nowadays Uruguayan presidents to escape from the madding crowds use Anchorena's park.
Artigas founded Carmelo in 1816, when he divided the land, according to the provisional law in 1815. Today, Carmelo has one of the most comfortable mornings for yachts in this country. Carmelo is an attractive spot, especially for the tourist industry. The Hyatt chain has bought a plot to build an international hotel.
"Conchillas" had a humble destiny. It was born as the commercial establishment of Walker Company. But that was a brief moment in the life of this town. Today, this place has a special magic, with its simple and humble houses made of stone, lime, and mud, painted yellow and with red zinc roofs.
To the east to this province, we find two cities. Colonia Valdense and Nueva Helvecia. They were also the result to immigrants who came to Uruguay in the 18th century. They not only brought technology but their folklore, customs and institutions as well. Colonia Suiza provides comfortable accommodation in excellent hotels and offers delicious food.
Colonia is a must those interested in knowing more about our country and for those who want to invest in Uruguay.
