History of San Carlos

San Carlos is a Uruguayan city located in the department of Maldonado.

It was founded in the year 1755 and is known as "La Puerta de la Sierra" due to its location in the foothills of the Sierras de Maldonado.

In the 19th century, the city had a great economic boom thanks to the production of cattle, wool and hides, and also due to the construction of the railway line that connected Montevideo with the northern border region of the country.

During the military dictatorship in Uruguay (1973-1985), San Carlos was the scene of various acts of repression and violence against human rights.

Today, San Carlos is an important tourist center due to its proximity to the coast and attractions such as Plaza Artigas, the San Carlos Borromeo church and the Francisco Mazzoni Regional Museum.

See more about how to get to San Carlos

See also information on Artigas, Maldonado y Montevideo.