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Capital city of Florida Department, Uruguay
Photo: Andrea Mazza, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Florida (pronounced floh-REE-dah) is the capital of Florida Department in the Central Interior of Uruguay. Surrounded by farmland, Florida is a fairly quiet city of 30,000 people—in contrast to nearby Montevideo, it has a small-town feel. Despite its small size relative to Montevideo, Florida has a couple of impressive attractions, including a beautiful cathedral and the site of Uruguay's 1825 Declaration of Independence. Located less than two hours from Montevideo by bus, it's very doable as a day trip if you don't want to spend the night.
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A large rock that was the location of the Declaration of Independence in 1825. Adjacent to a nice park. When trying to find it, be aware that there are a few things in Florida named after the rock, so map apps seem to get confused—you're looking for the spot near the eastern edge of town, by the Río Santa Lucía.
Catedral Basílica de Florida
An impressive cathedral for a town of 30,000. Make sure to go inside!.
Capilla de San Cono
Where multitudes gather every June 3rd. The Chapel saw the beginning of its construction in the year 1883 and opened its doors for the first time in the year 1884, with 1885 seeing the first procession of the saint. It is home to the statue of San Cono, as well as a museum called “Museo de las Ofrendas” which displays an impressive collection of offerings brought by believers as symbols of gratitude towards the saint.
Museo Histórico de Florida
One of the oldest establishments in Florida. Spacious, well organized, good service, and it has photos on display depicting the history of the city.
Coffee shop that serves pastries and homemade beer. On Friday nights, live shows.
Kind of a sleeper, but what can you do? It's pretty old school. They put out a nice spread for breakfast in the morning.
Buses from Montevideo, Durazno, and other cities are available several times a day. As of 2017, buses from Montevideo are a little over U$200 each way.
Read in the guideWalk, drive, or ride a motorbike – local bus service is very limited. The roads are in very good condition, at least in the main part of the city.
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Ciudad de la Costa · International · MVD
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