POLO magazine 2016 | Page 27

F A M O U S L A N D M A R K S Uruguay is a haven for architectural, artistic and historical sights. And if you tire of being a tourist for the day, pack your sunscreen and hit the miles of pristine beaches. Faro de Colonia del Sacramento Towering 26,92m high, the lighthouse at Colonia del Sacramento offers superb views of the surrounding areas. Built on the ruins of the 17th-century San Francisco convent, it flashes every eight seconds and can be spotted 16,5 nautical miles out to sea. La Mano (The Hand) Protruding from the beach at the coastal resort of Punta del Este is this monster-sized sculpted hand. Made from concrete and plastic reinforced with steel bars and metal mesh, Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal was inspired by wanting to warn swimmers against drowning. It won first prize in a monumental art contest in 1982 and still remains in its original location, largely untouched, today. PHOTOGRAPHS: ISTOCKPHOTO, WIKIPEDIA, URUGUAY TOURISM SOURCE: WWW.THECULTURETRIP.COM Fortaleza de Santa Teresa Barrio Histórico A UNESCO world heritage site, the Barrio Histórico is located in the historic quarter of the city of Colonia del Sacramento, one of the oldest European settlements in the country. Founded in 1680 by Portugal, the city was integral in resisting the Spanish but was lost a century later. The architecture and design of the persevered old town reflects the fusion of Portugese and Spanish. The Fortaleza de Santa Teresa is a military fortification located 305km northeast of Montevideo in the Rocha Department of eastern Uruguay. Situated within the Santa Teresa National Park, the fort was built in 1762 by the Portuguese. It’s a fascinating place to learn about the history of the country. The views are spectacular and it is a highlight among tourists in the summer. Plaza Independencia Montevideo’s Plaza Independencia (Spanish for Independence Square) is the city’s most important plaza, housing a number of historical and modern buildings. It separates the oldest part of the city, known as Ciudad Vieja, from downtown Montevideo. A stroll here is a must to get a feel for the essence of the city. TOP THINGS TO DO IN URUGUAY Take a trip to the sleepy fishing village of Punta del Diablo, which some say has the best beach in Uruguay. Attend a ‘futból’ match at the stadium in Montevideo, Estadio Centenari. Stroll through the picturesque city of Colonia del Sacramento. Go celeb spotting at Punta del Este, the ‘Hamptons of South America’. Visit the thermal pools at Salto, Uruguay’s second largest city. Experience the night life and carnival atmosphere so prevalent in Montevideo (and learn how to tango!). Get out into the countryside and spend some time on an estancia (the American equivalent of a ranch). L E CCIÓ N E S PA Ñ O L (Spanish Lesson) Keen to impress one of the Uruguayan players after the game? Here’s how to have a (basic) conversation in Spanish. Hello Hola My name is... Me llamo... What’s your name? Cómo te llamas? Nice to meet you. Un placer conocerte. Well done on a great game. Felicitaciones por el partido. Are you enjoying South Africa? Te gusta Sudáfrica? Do you have a girlfriend/wife? Tienes novia/mujer? Can I buy you a drink? Te puedo invitar a tomar algo? BMW INTERNATIONAL POLO 27