The city of Piriápolis is the fruit of the vision and efforts of one man: Francisco Piria.
In 1890 Piria bought all the land between the Pan de Azúcar hill and the coast from the heirs of General Leonardo Olivera, who owned a ranch that covered the whole area.
Right from the start Piria’s idea was to build a “seaside resort for the future”.
Considering that the lands included three hills plus all the coast and a natural port, his idea was not so far-fetched.
It was and remains the largest project to be undertaken by a single person in the history of Uruguay.
After purchasing it, he proceeded to create an infrastructure to attract the summer lovers he sought in Europe.
Thus he built the port, a formidable hotel - the present Argentino Hotel - the Rambla, and he had the whole area planted with pine trees.
The fame of Piriapolis preceeded that of Punta del Este by many years.
Now Piriápolis is receiving a new tourist impulse, as the port has been enlarged to receive ferries and large vessels.
In general it is a quiet city, surrounded by forests and hills and with a pleasant coastline that continues with small resorts to either side of the port area.
Towards the east are Punta Colorada and Punta Negra, two rocky formations that enclose beautiful beaches and growing residential areas.
With an approximate age of 500 million years, the Souls Mountain Range has volcanic origin, reaching a maximum height of 501 meters over sea level in its summit, which once was used as national viewpoint. One of the most curious and attractive...
Designed by architect Monzani in 1897, Piria's Castle was the private residence of the city founder. The construction, in red brick, is reminiscent of the Italian villas of the time. Access to the castle is via a road lined with palm trees that...
Pan de Azúcar hill, with its 339 m is the third highest in the country. Its name dates back to at least 1717, when it was mentioned after a territorial reconnaissance by Captain Juan Hidalgo. It is possible to climb it from the southern side. The...