On 2nd February 1982, exactly 466 years after Solis discovered and annexed these lands to the throne of Spain, this small altar was inaugurated.
Inside is an image of this virgin, patroness of Punta del Este.
Local lore has it that this site was where the discoverers held the first mass.
The image of the virgin is a painted sculpture in wood, about one meter high, by sculptor Lazo from San Carlos.
It was restored a few years ago, and enclosed in a glass case to protect it from wind and rain.
Until a few years ago there was a procession every 2nd February from the Candelaria Church to the altar, which ended with a mass.
At high tide it is isolated from the mainland.