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Montevideo has stunning architecture. I always tell people to take a walk along the main avenue, 18 de julio — not for the street itself but to keep looking up — the architecture is Belle Epoque, Art Deco, modernist.
Even the Montevideo police HQ is an absolute Art Deco gem!
A couple of years ago I discovered this little gem – the Architectural and Urban Guide to Montevideo – buried on the local government website*. Written in Spanish and English (gasp!), the guide is beautifully designed and perfect for curious travellers and photographers. It includes almost 400 buildings and spaces organised by neighbourhood.
The translation into English is a bit clunky—well, it was not helped by the fact that the original text is heavy-going, academic terms and phrases abound—but the maps and building descriptions are concise and easy to follow.
There’s useful historic background, dates, and gorgeous photography. There such good detail you could even use it as your guide for visiting the various neighbourhoods in Montevideo throughout your stay.
Get your copy of the Architectural and Urban Guide to Montevideo here.
Montevideo is a city made for B&W Stunning black and white shots by resident Mark Villeneuve
Montevideo: Art deco capital of South America
Montevideo landmarks and architecture on Wikipedia Quite a good starting point for any visitor. I would recommend them all except for the World Trade Centre (really? Come on…) and Parque Batlle (unless you are going to Parque Centenario Football Stadium, the park itself is not particularly attractive). Parque Rodó and El Prado are much lovelier parks.
* The guide was produced by the Municipality of Montevideo (the IMM) and the southern Spanish state of Andalusia, together with the Faculty of Architecture of the UDELAR, the public university. The first edition dates from 1992.
Thanks to Mark Villeneuve for allowing me to use his photos.
[Article published: Mar 16, 2015, Last updated at the date above]
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4 Responses
Bonjour Karen,
Thank you for the link to the architecture guide. Would you know of a tour guide operator similar to Graffitimundo in BA or suggest an area where we would be more likely to see these?
Michel
Hi Michel, there is street art all over Montevideo so you will be able to see it anywhere and everywhere. However there is a tour. I have been planning to go on it and check it out in the next few weeks. If you sign up for updates, you’ll see when I write about it! http://www.mvdtour.com/#!street-art-tour/c9. All the best – Karen
Hello again, it turns out this tour is no longer offered. I am talking to a great tour operator and encouraging her to start something. I’ll post here as soon as there is news!