Mercedes, Uruguay
Mercedes is a city in Soriano Department, Uruguay, located on the left bank of the Río Negro at a junction of three main roads. The urban landscape mixes old and new buildings, with streets that are especially lively around the main square, where markets and gatherings happen regularly.
The city was founded in 1788 by priest Manuel Antonio de Castro y Careaga and was originally called the Chapel of Mercedes. In 1811, the Grito de Asencio took place here, a cry for independence that sparked the Eastern Revolution, and leader Artigas used the city as his headquarters.
The name Mercedes refers to the city's patron saint, whose statue stands in the cathedral as a focal point. Around the main square and riverside promenade, locals regularly gather for markets and meetings, showing how community life centers on these public spaces.
The city is easy to reach through a bus network connecting all neighborhoods, with the main station near the main square. Ricardo Detomasi Airport allows quick arrival from outside the region, and the river offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and relaxing.
The city played a surprising role in early exploration history: Ferdinand Magellan visited this area in 1520, and Sebastian Cabot built the nearby Fort San Salvador in 1527. These moments connect Mercedes to the early exploration of South America.
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