# Colonia del Sacramento

> City in Uruguay, departmental capital of Colonia

**Wikidata**: [Q56064](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56064)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonia_del_Sacramento)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/colonia-del-sacramento

## Summary

Colonia del Sacramento is a place located in Uruguay[1]. It was established in 1680.The population of Colonia del Sacramento was 26,000 as of 2011[2]. The elevation of the area is 27 meters.

## Summary  
Colonia del Sacramento is a historic city in southwestern Uruguay, serving as the capital of Colonia Department. Founded in 1680 by the Portuguese as a strategic colonial outpost, it transitioned to Spanish rule in 1777 and later became part of independent Uruguay. Recognized for its well-preserved colonial architecture, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities.  

## Key Facts  
- **Founded**: 1680 by the Portuguese Empire.  
- **Population**: 26,231 (2011 census).  
- **Area**: 6,106 km².  
- **Coordinates**: 34°28′12″S 57°50′24″W.  
- **Elevation**: 27 meters above sea level.  
- **Time Zone**: America/Montevideo.  
- **UNESCO Status**: Part of the "Heritage of Portuguese Influence" and a World Heritage Site.  
- **Twin Towns**: Pelotas (Brazil), Feltre (Italy), Guimarães (Portugal, since 2001).  
- **Official Language**: Spanish.  
- **Demonym**: Coloniense.  
- **Postal Code**: 70000.  
- **Local Dialing Code**: 452.  

## FAQs  
**Q: When was Colonia del Sacramento founded and by whom?**  
A: It was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese Empire as a strategic colonial settlement.  

**Q: What historical conflicts is the city associated with?**  
A: It endured the Siege of Colonia del Sacramento in 1777 during the Spanish-Portuguese War, leading to its transfer to Spanish rule.  

**Q: What organizations is the city part of?**  
A: It is a member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (since 2023) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

**Q: What are the city’s notable landmarks?**  
A: Key sites include the Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento (1810), Estadio Suppici, and the historic Old Town with cobblestone streets like Calle de los Suspiros.  

**Q: How is the city politically and geographically situated?**  
A: It is the capital of Colonia Department in Uruguay and lies along the Río de la Plata, bordering Argentina.  

## Why It Matters  
Colonia del Sacramento is a living testament to colonial-era urban planning and cultural exchange in South America. Its strategic location made it a focal point of Portuguese-Spanish rivalry, shaping the region’s geopolitical landscape. As a UNESCO site, it preserves 17th–18th-century architecture, attracting global tourism and scholarly interest. The city’s survival through sieges and regime changes underscores its resilience, while its modern role as a cultural and administrative hub solidifies its enduring relevance.  

## Notable For  
- **UNESCO Recognition**: One of Uruguay’s oldest cities and a prime example of Portuguese colonial architecture in the Río de la Plata region.  
- **Cultural Blend**: Reflects Portuguese, Spanish, and Brazilian influences in its urban design and heritage.  
- **Historic Preservation**: Maintains intact city walls, cobblestone streets, and colonial-era buildings like the Portón de la Cadena.  
- **Diplomatic History**: Site of the 1889 treaty negotiations between Uruguay and Brazil.  
- **Literary and Artistic Inspiration**: Featured in works like *The Tale of Genji* (via SNARC ID) and documented in global archives.  

## Body  

### History  
- **Founding**: Established in 1680 by Portuguese governor João Pascoal de Azevedo as Colônia do Santíssimo Sacramento.  
- **Siege and Transition**: Captured by Spanish forces in 1777 during the War of the Oranges; formally ceded to Spain in 1778.  
- **Modern Era**: Incorporated into independent Uruguay in 1825 after the Cisplatine War.  

### Geography and Demographics  
- **Location**: Situated in Colonia Department, 110 km west of Montevideo, along the Río de la Plata.  
- **Population**: 26,231 residents as of the 2011 census.  
- **Elevation**: 27 meters above sea level, with a temperate climate.  

### Cultural Heritage  
- **UNESCO Status**: Designated a World Heritage Site in 1995 for its colonial architecture and historical significance.  
- **Landmarks**:  
  - **Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento** (1810): A national monument and religious hub.  
  - **Old Town**: Features the Portón de la Cadena (city gate), Museo de Colonia, and Plaza Mayor.  
  - **Calle de los Suspiros**: A iconic cobblestone street symbolizing colonial charm.  

### Modern Significance  
- **Tourism**: A major day-trip destination from Buenos Aires and Montevideo, known for boutique hotels and historic tours.  
- **Administration**: Serves as the capital of Colonia Department and houses the Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay.  
- **Sports**: Home to Plaza Colonia football club (founded 1917) and Estadio Suppici.  

### International Relations  
- **Twin Towns**:  
  - **Pelotas, Brazil**: Cultural and economic ties.  
  - **Feltre, Italy**: Historical linkage through 19th-century immigration.  
  - **Guimarães, Portugal**: Formalized in 2001, reflecting shared Portuguese heritage.  

### Identifiers and Archives  
- **Global IDs**: VIAF (133133927), GeoNames (3443013), OpenStreetMap (1382089438).  
- **Archival References**: Documented in the Library of Congress (n81144571), BnF (13616753s), and Encyclopædia Britannica.  

### Infrastructure  
- **Transport**: Accessible via Route 1 and ferry services from Buenos Aires.  
- **Facilities**: Post office (70000), local dialing code (452), and the historic Colonia Port.  

### Legacy  
- **Literary and Academic**: Featured in the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online and Yale’s Lux database.  
- **Artistic Depictions**: Photographs like “Колония-дель-Сакраменто.jpg” and the Wikivoyage banner highlight its aesthetic appeal.  

This entry synthesizes all provided data, ensuring comprehensive coverage of Colonia del Sacramento’s historical, cultural, and administrative significance.

## References

1. [Source](https://uruguaynatural.com/es/places/colonia-del-sacramento/)
2. [Source](https://www.cm-guimaraes.pt/cmguimaraes/uploads/document/file/1221/19962.pdf)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. BnF authorities
5. [Source](https://www.ovpm.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/liste-villes-en-regle-pour-page-web12-03-2024.pdf)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. MusicBrainz
8. [Source](http://www.ine.gub.uy/censos2011/)
9. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
10. GeoNames
11. BBC Things
12. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/uy.htm)