iglesia matriz

The oldest church in Uruguay. Originally established by the Portuguese in 1680. The building has had mixed fortunes being handed back and forth between Portuguese and Spanish. Its current incarnation is from 1810. It is wonderfully calm inside. A single nave and white washed arches. A nice chance to sit down and take it all in.

A beautiful Iglesia (church), simple, rustic and where you walk in and feel protectedSimple, spiritual, humble

OK, so its not the biggest, or the most replete, or even the most colorful Iglesia (church) I have laid eyes upon, but its modesty drew me in. The quiet, slightly must interior, the adjoining park, and the serenity did much to heal the spirit. Lovely!

A very nice church, with varied well-conserved barroque saints and religious paintings, all of which have their own plaques with a complete explanation about it. Calm, clean, near a nice square.

If the visitor is looking for a spectacular architectural interior design with golden and marble arches, impressive masterpieces, etc.,The Church of the Sacred Sacrament does not qualify for all of the above. La Iglesia Matriz is modest and charming.

It was so nice to see a church that is plain after the excessive wealth being displayed in many of the churches and cathedrals throughout South America. Oldest church in Uruguay. Sit down and contemplate the simple way the church is laid out and let your thoughts drift. What a nice change.

As far as Latin American churches go this one is quite plain. Reasonable old it may be, it is only rustic though and in no way spectacular. It's just like Colonia...average!

I had the opportunity to see/ attend the Sunday Mass, with the Priest from Buenos Aires, and local people. Nice mass, a lot of peace, and good words. Make me feel soooo good .

Although it is not spectacular, it is worth a visit. It is a piece of the conflicting Colonia past. The church is well maintained and is located in a very pleasant part of the city.

Nice outdoor views, especially when the light shines through the bell towers, but the inside is very plain, not ornate in any way.

This Basilica looks more impressive from the outside with its twin towers and onion shaped domes; clock face and bell. As Uruguay’s oldest church it has been wholly rebuilt twice and is adjacent to Plaza de Armas.As most of the historical buildings are mostly one or two storeys, the church dominates the town’s skyline along with the only other sentinel – the lighthouse. Compared to many South American Churches, this Basilica is rather simple and austere in comparison. It still houses an original font from the 1700’s; a crucifix carved by Indians from the Missions, a figure of St Francis of Assisi and a shrine. Gentle arches flank the main nave and the ceiling is painted white - we felt the serenity here after visiting more ornately decorated churches and the pews are also a welcoming aspect of this charming church.Enjoy your experience!

This church has stood in Colonia since the C16th, and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. The Portuguese built in brick and the Spanish built in stone. Inside the layout is simple and authentic and the acoustics are good. Lovely place. We had lunch at El Drugstore, over the road, which was also great fun.

Dissapointing as all the fresos and paintings are gone and the church is practically empty of everything. Must have been beatiful in the past.

the way it still stands........the old part which is 16th centuary and the door sure is still a couple of hundreds of years old...the location in the centre of the citadel

This church is off of a cute plaza with nice places to stop for a drink. The establishment on the corner has live music and it makes for a lighthearted atmosphere. I liked this church and its simple design-building of the original church on this site started in 1680 and had the distinction of being the oldest in Uruguay.