Florida Department, Administrative division in central-southern Uruguay
The Florida Department is an administrative region in central-southern Uruguay situated between Durazno to the north and Canelones to the south. The territory includes diverse landscapes and settlements, with the city of Florida serving as its administrative center.
The department originated from a fort built in 1760 to protect Montevideo settlers from attacks, before being officially established as an administrative division in 1856. It later developed into a key agricultural area within Uruguay.
The Basilica Cathedral of Florida, completed in 1894, draws pilgrims and visitors who come to venerate the Virgin of the Thirty-Three, Uruguay's patron saint. The sanctuary remains an active place of worship and spiritual gathering throughout the year.
The region is straightforward to explore, with roads connecting villages and town centers that are easily accessible on foot or by vehicle. Keep in mind it is a rural area, so planning ahead for travel between locations is helpful.
A stone known as Piedra Alta marks the location where Uruguay declared its independence from Brazil on August 25, 1825. This monument commemorates a decisive moment in the nation's founding.
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