Melo - Photos: Pablo Etchevers The City of Melo lies on the left bank of Conventos Creek, exactly 387 kilometers from the City of Montevido. Due to its proximity to Southern Brazil, Melo is a littoral city whose warm climate makes it an ideal place to visit all year round. This is evidenced in its lush subtropical wildlife. This place may be reached by car through National Route 7, starting at the City of Montevideo, where it is also possible to take a bus or a shuttle at the local bus station.
Its tourist attractions include Constitución Square, which features a monument raised to pay homage to national hero José Gervasio Artigas. The cathedral, which was founded in 1876, stands at the same square.
Independencia Square, also located in the town center, is the place chosen by families to gather at weekends. The Centro Unión Obrera building and España Theater –two typical institutions in the city- are located a few meters away.
The parks or green spaces, situated very close to the downtown area, are part of the attractions in Melo. One of them is the Rivera, where all kinds of activities are enjoyed, everything from long strolls to endless reading sessions. The other park has come to be called Zorrilla de San Martín and lies on the banks of Conventos Creek, a place unknown by visitors but frequented by the locals.
The municipal zoo is the favorite place amongst children. Specimens of local fauna and exotic animals such as tigers, cougars, llamas and lions may be observed in the venue.
Those tourists who prefer to go on a historical tour should not miss the house which used to belong to unforgettable writer Juana de Ibarbourou, or “Juana of America”. A very important part of the city history is treasured behind its doors.
