Cerro Fortress, Military fortress on Cerro de Montevideo hill, Uruguay

Cerro Fortress is a stone military stronghold on a hilltop in Montevideo with thick walls and defensive positions overlooking the city. The structure includes barracks, storage areas, and an operational lighthouse that provides views across the harbor.

Governor Francisco Javier de Elío ordered construction of this fortress in 1809, marking the final Spanish military stronghold built in Uruguay. The structure reflected Spain's defensive strategy during the final years of colonial control in the region.

The fortress houses a military museum displaying weapons, uniforms, and documents from Uruguay's past. Visitors can explore how military institutions shaped the country's development through the collected items and displays.

The fortress stands on the Cerro de Montevideo at 134 metres above sea level, opposite the bay, in the Casabó barrio west of Villa del Cerro. It has housed the Military Museum since 1916, and the lighthouse on its roof is reached from the courtyard. The site is a National Monument, so check opening arrangements before climbing.

The fortress lighthouse remains operational and sends regular light signals across the Rio de la Plata river. This automated equipment was once crucial for ship navigation in the region and still functions as a working relic from earlier maritime times.