Brief History of Colonia del Sacramento in the north bank of Rio De La Plata. Heritage of Humanity

Colony of the Blessed Sacrament. Oriental Republic of Uruguay. Heritage of Humanity UNESCO in December 1995 Brief historical is the Old Colonia del Sacramento, its history and traditions, reveal evidence of its legendary past struggles, intrigues, hatred and love lived in the nearly 328 years after the date. Dubbed "The Apple of Discord", "City of the Pen and the Sword" or many, "Mother of Cities", was the subject of bloody battles between the Crowns of Portugal and Spain in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, along England, France and Holland, for others it makes it "the Gibraltar of Silver". Today retains a romantic aura gives it a unique charm. Long before its founding, Amerigo Vespucci, Juan de Lisboa, Juan Diaz de Solis, Sebastian Cabot, Diego and Pedro de Mendoza, Irala, Ortiz de Zarate, Juan de Garay, Sir Francis Drake, Cavendish, Edward Fenton, among others, stepped its shores. After founded, internationalized the Rio de la Plata, beginning the battle for the domination of the territory between the two greatest empires of the time, with the intervention of their respective allies. Governors and Viceroys of B.

Aires, the importance of Cevallos, Sobremonte, Liniers or Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros, passed through it. Scientists such as Humboldt, Darwin Bomplant and toured their fields. Explorers of the stature of the Malaspina Bouganville and recorded in pictures. They lived many years, people like Arthur Phillips, Founder and Governor of New South Wales, Sydney today, the capital of Australia. (Clarification on 23/11/2010, the capital of Australia is Canberra. The original text should read: Capital of the British Colony of New South Wales. Thanks to the reader that it is properly AFBadín collaboration)

Heroes and Uruguayan presidents participated in their daily lives, such as José Gervasio Artigas, Rivera and Juan Antonio Lavalleja, head of the "33 Orientales". Heroes and Presidents also Argentine and Bernardino Rivadavia, Bartolomé Mitre and Admiral William Brown. He belonged to the Portuguese Empire, Spanish and Brazilian. It was part of the United Provinces of Río de la Plata. The English and French legions occupied, as commanded by Italian Giuseppe Garibaldi. Its shores saved some of the most famous shipwrecks in history. Let's start at the beginning. La Colonia do Sacramento was founded between 20 and January 28, 1680 by Don Manuel Lobo, Governor of Rio de Janeiro, which had been appointed by the Prince Pedro II of Portugal, to create an outpost and defense on the shore North of the Rio de la Plata. On January 20, D. Manuel Lobo landed on the island of San Gabriel in front of the present city, taking it as a strategic point for the possession of land. This was crowned the first constructions of earth and straw went up there putting the colony under the patronage of the Blessed Sacrament. The Spanish government settled in Buenos Aires under the command of Don Jose Garro, alarmed, warned the authorities of Lima, and immediately seek assistance from other Spanish regions such as Cordoba, Asuncion, and so on.

After several months of preparation, under the command of Antonio de Vera and Muxica, attacked the fortress on August 7, 1680 and took possession of it, making that morning in one of the bloodiest in history. Manuel Lobo was also taken prisoner and taken to the Spanish dominions. On May 7, 1681, by the "Provisional Treaty of Lisbon" Colonia back the hands of the Portuguese, which merged recently in January 1683, naming it Nova Colonia do now to Blessed Sacrament. Troubles of the story ... Wolf died in B. Aires on January 7, 1683, prisoner and without knowledge of the fate of Cologne. Renewed impetus comes with a citadel on the banks of the Plata Lusitanian, supported by the Spanish Crown and pending the decision of Rome, who is the rightful owner of the land. In 1704 the War of Succession in Spain, generates a new confrontation with the intervention of England, France, Austria and others. Colonia del Sacramento is attacked by Spanish armies again and again since 1705 when they conquer these in 1715, belongs as "no man's land" at that time commanded by the Governor of Buenos Aires, Alonso de Valdes Inclán.

On February 6, 1715, was signed in Holland, the "Treaty of Utrecht", where the Spanish Americans to sacrifice their interests by other Europeans that they were of greater importance. On 4 November the same year he took possession of the government representing Portugal, Manuel Gomez Barboza until 1722. According to a census conducted on April 16, 1718, the number of inhabitants was forty thousand, including slaves and Indians Tupi. On March 14, 1722, takes over the Portuguese Governor Antonio Pedro de Vasconcellos, who will be responsible for developing the material, cultural and commercial center of the colony. Time many Hispanics documents, refer from these dates, when referring to the inhabitants of the colony, as "Crypto-Jews Marranos of Colonia del Sacramento." In fact many of the "Portuguese" were truly Portuguese Sephardic Jews. The surnames of people, undoubtedly confirm the fact. Spain, in recognition of the importance of this newcomer military man and his service record, a compelling ordered the Governor of B. Aires the foundation of a fortress in the bay of Montevideo, the only way to avoid the complete occupation of the northern band of silver by the Portuguese.

The Governor of Buenos Aires at that time is Bruno Mauricio de Zabala who does not obey the orders and only when you have news that Vincent Da Silva Da Fonseca, Captain of the Colony, made a precarious settlement in that bay Lusitano, he decides to start driving and foundation. Montevideo was born as a direct result of the occupation and development of this small fortress and factory. In January 1730, saw the first theater in the eastern territory, "Weapons of Beauty" by Pedro Calderon de la Barca, in honor of the wedding of Crown Prince Don Jose of Portugal and Castile Infanta Dona Maria Anna Vittoria. In 1735 the city is besieged by the Lusitanian Spanish forces. It was called, the Site de Salcedo, Governor of Buenos Aires by Miguel de Salcedo who decides to attack with fire and sword. Governor Pedro Antonio de Vasconcellos resisted heroically for the unbeaten and makes up the site on September 16, 1737. During this administration the port of Cologne - key entry point to South America to host-reach fifty ships of various flags, dedicated to illegally introduce goods to the Viceroyalty of Peru.

After 27 years of excellent government, one of the best drivers of his military life, commercial and cultural must retire ill. Throughout his tenure, several attempts were diplomatic and military, wiping out the wonderful neighborhood. It is known for his phrase: "The Colony is so important I would not change for the better equivalent." No longer Vasconcellos, redeem the idea of ​​that city for something of interest to Portugal. Was signed in Madrid in 1750, the Swap Agreement. The Colonia del Sacramento in exchange for the seven mission towns east. It was war again. No platenses territories. This time missionary ground together, the enemies of old, are facing the greatest defenders of the Spanish Crown in America, the Jesuits. It was called the Guarani War and lasted almost 4 years. Following the same and could not win the Spanish Jesuit, was annulled by the Treaty of Madrid and returned to Utrecht. In 1756 begins the new "Seven Years War" between Portugal and Spain and in 1761, the Spanish General Pedro de Cevallos, founded the famous Royal St. Charles, as a military camp and a base to attack back to the colony.

Again the war. On October 31, 1762, the city capitulated and on 2 November, on the walls of Cologne, flies the banner of Spain. On January 6, 1763, two powerful British and one Portuguese ships, bomb the place, and denied the attack by Cevallos and sunk the frigate "Lord Clive" of 64 guns, the pride of England, dying in the place the Admiral Mac NAMM.

The remaining ships, and Gloria Ambuscade extremely damaged are removed. It is of the greatest victories in the Spanish Plata. The capture of Cologne and the collapse of Lord Clive. In the "Paris Agreement" of January 13, 1763, just seven days later, again at the hands Portuguese colony until 1777 Pedro de Cevallos, after heavy fighting takes over and destroys most of the fortifications erected there. Notably, the latter Captain and Admiral of the Portuguese fleet in the Colony, ARTHUR PHILLIPS, English, who, after bravely leaving this water is directed to make the founding of New South Wales, later called Sydney, being the founder, 1 st Governor and Captain General of Australia. On October 1 of that year, signed the "Treaty of San Ildefonso", in which Portugal recognized the rights of Spain definitely all over this region. On March 5, 1807 the British seize the colony until the end of August. At this time "Deputy Mayor Don José Artigas" (Uruguayan national hero) exercises command internally until February 15, 1811, when he left Cologne to join the May Revolution in Argentina, accompanied by the parish priest Jose Maria Enriquez de la Pena, and a group of patriots Colonia.

A few months later, Colonia del Sacramento, is occupied by the patriot forces led by Venancio Benavides and Viera. In 1815, the future chief of "The 33 Orientales", John A. Lavalleja, is appointed commander by Artigas. In 1818 was occupied by Portuguese Imperial forces, being part of the Province Cisplatin. In 1822, after the September 7, is incorporated into the Brazilian empire. Until February 1826 in a bombardment by the Argentine army under the command of Admiral William Brown. This, who since 1814 has very important properties in the city and its surrounding lands, destroys part of your own home, trying to dislodge the invaders, unable to overcome them. On December 2, 1828, Colonia del Sacramento is delivered to the Eastern forces by the "Preliminary Peace Convention." The support of the British slave trade and smuggling, puts our city in a privileged position by becoming one of the most disputed, here involved several powers, fighting for the "tip of the island with seven stones." In 1845 during the "Great War", Jose Garibaldi takes over Cologne and the Isla Martín García.

In 1848 also assaulted by the forces of Manuel Oribe (second president of the republic), as part of the political movements that originate within the territory of the Banda Oriental, movements which then give rise to foreign exchange, "White and Red" ; first signs of the two traditional parties in Uruguay. The historic district in its fullness with all the breath of the past, it vibrates in every stone, every fence, every wall and in each hallway. The sunsets on the river charged facets of mystery, worthy of the inspiration of a poet or painter. Walking every inch of your environment arises through its history and documentary that the San Gabriel and Colonia del Sacramento have left our country. Angular streets, narrow, paved, with stones crib with central drain, thick stone walls, tile roofs to two and three waters, tiled floors and stone up a memorable post for those who are privileged to see it. An environment of wonder that haunts and fascinates with its magnetism. Discover Cologne is in a nutshell ... A real charmer. The museums. Portuguese Museum. One of the genuine relics of the former Colony, called "Casa de Jean Beaudrix" old Portuguese cavalry captain and also "River House", now occupied by the Portuguese museum, unique in Uruguay.

It is the ideal site for the museum room. A part of its construction dates back to 1717 while the other in 1722. Great example of Portuguese architecture, built on two levels taking advantage of the natural fall of land, with two blocks communication, the main entrance is located across from the Plaza Mayor and the other across the street from San Pedro de Alcantara. It was donated to the state for Exilda Criado Perez, having belonged to her sister Teresa. This and another home, are the only two properties with hipped roof Portuguese style throughout the city. The entrance hall also has the ceiling gabled wooden craft similar to that found in the House of Nacarello. This collection of relics that facilitates reconstruction of military period that left rich traces of popular culture since the founding of the colony to this day. Preserves original floors and most of its interior walls built with wooden walls, filled with stone tile game and settled in adobe, called "San Andrés". The roofs are of tile and adobe faithfully restored and are obtaining excellent results.

The furniture is a major grant from the government of Portugal. The stately mansion attracts the interest of visitors, conveying a profound balance and a strong expression of life. The Kings Hall called magnetized with its majolica works perfectly accented with ambience. Factory Tile Santa Ana in Lisbon, representing the Portuguese monarchs who reigned at the time, stand the sight of visitors. Everything in this house summarizes history, the Hall of Governors, with their banners and tiles, the uniforms of Dragoons in 1772, a valuable series of English-made weapons used Portuguese forces in the wars for the possession of the Colony , war banners, shields bronze miniatures and polychrome pottery popular in short ... there's rendezvous with history, between this sober and elegant decoration, is inescapable. Museum of the Spanish period. At the junction of the streets of San Jose and Spain found that out of the house of Don Juan? Eagle, where he is staying after Bartolomé Mitre and now occupied by the Spanish Museum. In this Portuguese construction from 1720, and revives our imagination flies past greatness.

On the ground floor, ceramic look of Castile, and Galicia Zamora, representing the Spanish provinces who came to populate the colony. Along with costumes which emphasize the harmony of red skirts and black corsett, costumes of Leon, Segovia, Asturias and Galicia, is a uniform Infantry Regiment Cordoba. Dazzling provincial tiles with shields and a large oil painting of the first Viceroy of Río de la Plata, Pedro de Cevallos, we convey the nostalgia of legendary aspects of the colony. Between maps, designs and various factors that call history is a framed flag belonging to the Spanish Regiment of Fixed Montevideo at the time of the English invasion of 1807. It had been deposited in the Convent of the Friars Mercedarios of Buenos Aires, a warrior who managed to save in a battle of the Rio de la Plata. When the house was restored between the beam and roof decking, a 50 pesos bill, the National Bank of the United Provinces of Río de la Plata, dated 1827. They remain there original documents as treaties between the Viceroy Cevallos and Charles III King of Spain, the Treaty of San Ildefonso and historical description of the moments experienced by Cologne.

The aristocratic eighteenth century building, has a perfect intonation having openings whose lintels are monolithic stone carving, stone wall is 90 cm thick, the original hardwood mezzanine, its roof is typical Portuguese style, built hard wood brought from Paraguay, or Cinnamon-Quebracho-, pyramid-shaped decorated with tiles. The staircase and inner wall are original, as well as are the doors and frames that are unpainted. Museum was inaugurated on August 29, 1976, and in 1992 added the farm adjoining Italianate building, around 1840, preserving the original arcade. In the background we can see the stables of 1720. A gloom around us and identifies us with this wonderful art museum rebuilt and served in its smallest details. Municipal Museum. Under Portuguese control was a so-called "Casa Two Secretaries", next to the Viceroy's House (these secretaries were the civil authorities of the Colony). Today is called Casa del Almirante Brown and there it works the Municipal Museum. This name is that our government gives it as a reward for Brown, by a document of October 17, 1833, in honor of the work presented with the Liberty Campaign Artigas Oriental.

This historic house had belonged to the Governor of Cologne, Don Francisco Albin, commander of the Party and Espinillo Vipers, who had been awarded in 1793 by the Spanish Viceroy Nicolas de Arredondo. It is located opposite the "Plaza Mayor". "Housing Roof" was the name they called the top or upper floor. The lower rooms were so called "bottom." The front end has two pillars of sandstone carving and the floor has large rooms, with walls Portuguese limited 80 inches thick. The upper floor has a terrace where a staircase descends at an angle, monolithic gray granite steps. The roof, the roof tile floors are cooked and hardwood mezzanine. The museum was inaugurated on August 25, 1951. There are relics of inestimable value which shows the extent achieved by our indigenous culture. Among the highlights mortars preserved materials, pottery, bolas, arrowheads, puzzles, counting also with works belonging to Indians of northern Argentina and Mexico. Samples from animals that comprise the habitat of indigenous, ceramics, a paleontology section and a fine selection of military weapons of our past, are some of the strongest attractions of the museum.

Also there are the first programs of the runs made in the Plaza de Toros Monumental de San Carlos Real. The museum itself has no defined objective, since it, as well as highlight the many samples that displays a collection of stuffed birds, another of kissing bugs and butterflies without leaving maps and affluent fans of the time. In the paleontological room, there is a shell of Glyptodonts and Lestodonte skeleton found in the area. The interior is embellished by a charming and fine decor. Municipal Museum visits becomes unpredictable, it calls us to meet with indelible traces of the past this corner of the River Plate. Tile Museum. Where it joins the Paseo de San Gabriel and La Calle de las Misiones de los Tapes, is a Portuguese farm with over three hundred years of life in which time has not worn out their forms and moldy tiles. An impressive collection of tiles, is there, highlighting the first events in Uruguay in 1840, along with other French and Catalan origin. The same was inaugurated in 1988. Original are preserved, much of the floors and walls.

Its restoration was a cultural investment by Citibank, which has contributed to a perfect fusion between nature and architectural mass, giving it a particular façade and harmony to your surroundings. Regional Archives. In Misiones de los Tapes Street No. 115, is a place where lies an authentic and elegant Portuguese style mansion in 1750. There lies the essence of the story, there, in what is called "House of Palaces", now fully restored and recovered, are deposited the originals of the letters from the Governor's Vasconcellos 1735, the Missal of the Chapel of Narbonne , watercolors and lithographs of 1839, and other documents that stand out as a gem. In terms of construction, all walls, roof, lintels of the doors and windows as well as the crosspieces, are original. We also found a niche where was located the patron saint of the house. The original documents from 1720 onwards as samples are large windows. Perched on one of its walls are a copy of the Coat of Departmental Capital City represents the struggle between Portugal and Spain. The same has a sun, the revolution of May, the phoenix, rising from the ashes, eleven stars in arcs representing the cities of the department, the tower common to the arms of Spain and Portugal, which has on one side the wolf and the lion on the other.

The division of the upper and lower quarters, represents the Rio de la Plata, which sits in the profile of the historic town of 1763. Edge is the famous quote from Virgil: "In the spirit we get the fire hidden in the soul of the stone", motto of the Honorary Committee for Reconstruction. As an original relic shows us what is used as a "Reading Room", both doors and walls are authentic. Among the important documents that are housed there, highlight a file police department, ranging from the year 1876 to 1898. The furniture was donated by the Portuguese Government and corresponds to replicas of the time. Paleontological Museum. In the heart of the Real de San Carlos, is located the so-called "Museum of Paleontology," then we can go back thousands of years back to prehistory. Here are shown the remains of various species found in places far from our Colony, no more than ten kilometers. For two million years, lived in Uruguayan territory Glyptodonts large animals such as, animals porous bone breastplates were divided into small plates, with its head and tail also armored or ringed by species.

Only the tail is three feet long which infers the impressive size of this issue. Besides the five armor sets Glyptodonts that there are no signs of other species such as the Panochtus and Chlamydotherium. They have been found remains of other species such as half of an armadillo Dasipodido coracita ½ Prodaedicurus flow of a case of more than two million years old. Among the remains on display, there are several molars loose jaws and various extinct animals, as well as several medium-sized skulls. You can see a shelf with femurs and bone and Lestodonte Magatherio (the Magatherio was the largest mammal in the world) as well as a variety of invertebrate fossils and a complete pelvis Glossotherio. There are also several samples of minerals and archaeological pieces of the Indians. This private collection was donated by its owner to the City Council in Cologne and was opened as a museum in 1976. MUSEUM IND? GENA. The indigenous population in the Rio de la Plata, was known for living in tribes independent of each other, and their way of life was nomadic. They lived by hunting and fishing as well as the gathering of wild fruits.

While not created a writing system, they were good craftsmen. The bone, stone and clay were the materials that it worked and made their weapons and other utensils, which consisted of mortars, bolas, knives and pots of clay. Used for hunting spear, bow and arrow, the balls and puzzles. They were called Indians "Charrúas." His dress was based on a fluke and ornaments were molluscs, feathers and bones. They believed in the afterlife if they did not have a clear religious belief. Nor was it clear neither his language nor his music. In 1988 was inaugurated this museum exhibits materials found in the area. This valuable private collection was donated to the Municipality of Cologne and is now guarded by its own creator.

OLD SOUTH CITY-TOUR HISTORIC-CULTURAL HISTORIAN-PINTOS TITO ALBERTO RESEARCH TOUR GUIDE COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO - R. O. of URUGUAY Tel: 00598-52-24473 - CEL: 099.167150 DAY E-MAIL: titopintoscolonia@gmail.com titopintoscolonia@hotmail.com