Discover Mercedes: Museums, Green Spaces and the Río Negro

Puerto de Mercedes lies on the banks of the Río Negro. Mercedes is also home to museums, historic buildings, squares and green spaces that showcase different sides of the city.

Culture and Local History

Castillo Mauá is considered one of the main attractions in the city of Mercedes and one of the most important testaments to the business activities of the Baron and Viscount of Mauá in Uruguay. The Museo Paleontológico Alejandro Berro is located on the ground floor of the castle.

The Centro Histórico y Geográfico de Soriano is housed in a former monastery; its building is an example of eclectic architecture. The collection includes antique weapons, musical instruments, national numismatic objects and items related to gaucho culture. It also features an extensive collection of gold and silver stirrups, lithic material of Indigenous origin, and original documents belonging to President Idiarte Borda. This house brings together a range of subjects, from music and gaucho culture to historical documents.

Casa Puerta displays a wide variety of objects, including pieces made of wool, leather, wood and ceramics. The items on display are offered for sale; if you would like to purchase something, it is best to check current availability. The Museo de la Música en Miniatura offers a different way of presenting history: it tells the story of Western music through 36 three-dimensional scenes.

Green Spaces, Views and Places of Remembrance

Parque Guernica is one of Mercedes’ most important green spaces. Espacio Memoria Soriano offers a distinct focus: the park has paths named after the ten people who disappeared in Soriano during the dictatorship. Its facilities include various tree species, benches and bicycle racks.

At the archaeological complex of Calera Real del Dacá, the setting shapes the experience of the place. It sits on a small hill overlooking the stream and its riparian forest. A modern sculptural ensemble in Plaza Lavalleja commemorates Juan Antonio Lavalleja. The Mural del Bicentenario on the Rambla of Mercedes also adds to the impressions of the city’s public spaces.

A Trip on the Río Negro

One listed catamaran route runs from Mercedes to Isla Barrientos and includes going ashore and hiking. This offers a different way to plan your trip from a stay focused on the city’s museums and green spaces. Check current sailing dates before including the route in your plans.

If you are looking for a hotel in Mercedes, it may help to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: collections and architectural history, green spaces and places of remembrance, or a trip on the Río Negro. For specific offers, check that the address and booking conditions suit your plans.

Discover more destinations: Villa Darwin, Dolores.

Back to the regional travel overview: Soriano.