Fuerte San Miguel, Military fortress in 18 de Julio, Uruguay
Fuerte San Miguel is a stone fortress on Sierra de San Miguel in eastern Uruguay with five pentagonal bastions and thick defensive walls. The structure shows classical military design intended for border surveillance and defense.
Portuguese forces built the initial fortification in 1737 at a strategic location for border control. The structure later transformed into a star-shaped fort following Vauban's military principles.
The fortress houses a Military History Museum displaying uniforms and weapons from different periods of Uruguayan defense. Visitors can explore how the military organization evolved through the centuries.
The fortress is located about 8 kilometers west of Chuy and is accessible via Route 19. The hilltop location provides good views and clear access for visitors exploring the site.
The location was chosen for monitoring border movements, as troops stationed there could observe Spanish military activities across the boundary region. The elevated position on the hillside gave guards a far-reaching view over the frontier area.
Location: 18 de Julio
GPS coordinates: -33.68938,-53.53888
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:42
South America preserves a monumental heritage that reflects centuries of history, from pre-Columbian civilizations to the contemporary era. This collection includes archaeological sites, colonial-era religious buildings, public squares, and modern artistic creations scattered across the continent. Each monument tells a part of South American history, whether it be ancient fortresses, Baroque churches, or recent sculptures. Among these sites are the Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua, Guatemala, a 17th-century construction that once connected two convents; the Public Market in Porto Alegre, Brazil, a functioning 19th-century commercial building; and Desert Hand in Chile, a contemporary sculpture of 11 meters rising from the Atacama Desert. The Middle of the World monument near Quito, Ecuador, marks the equator line, while the Christ of the Pacific overlooks Lima from its hill. These monuments, whether of pre-Columbian, colonial, or modern origin, provide tangible insight into the cultural and architectural development of the South American continent.
Fortaleza de Santa Teresa
31.6 km
Quebrada de los Cuervos
120.4 km
Santa Teresa National Park
34.6 km
Lascano
62 km
Parque nacional Cabo Polonio
80.9 km
Bañados del Este Biosphere Reserve
47.7 km
Faro de Cabo Polonio
82.7 km
Chuí Lighthouse
16.4 km
San Miguel national park
3.3 km
Santa Teresa
35 km
Quebrada de los cuervos
121 km
Faro Punta Palmar
42.1 km
Teatro 25 de Mayo
114.8 km
Estación Treinta y Tres
91.5 km
Marco de India Muerta
115.8 km
Brisas beach
101.4 km
Widow's Beach
41.3 km
Pinares beach
91.2 km
Beach La Paloma
122.7 km
Arroyo Piedras Blancas
91.6 km
Iglesia de La Pedrera
114 km
Museo Criollo e Indígena (San Miguel)
1 m
La Paloma
120.8 km
Monumento a Charles de Gaulle (cruz de Lorena)
114.7 km
Museo Fortín de San Miguel
1 m
Museo Fortaleza de Santa Teresa
31.6 km
La Pedrera Water Tower
114.1 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes