Colonia del Sacramento is a historic city in southwestern Uruguay, founded by the Portuguese in 1680 on the banks of the Río de la Plata.
Its old town, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is notable for its fusion of Portuguese, Spanish, and postcolonial architectural styles, with cobblestone streets, white houses, and the iconic lighthouse.
It was an important center of trade and smuggling during the colonial period, which is reflected in its urban design and architecture.