Maldonado
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Maldonado is a Uruguayan city of the Maldonado Department, from which it is its capital. Its population, as of 2004, is 50,147.
Its foundation, carried out by decision of the Governor of Montevideo Joaquin de Viana, started in 1755 and finished in 1757, with the definitive settlement of 104 people. Its original name was Maldonado, but years later its name was changed to San Fernando de Maldonado, in honour to the King Fernando VI of Spain.
Remarkable sights are:
- San Fernando de Maldonado Cathedral: A neoclassic cathedral, whose construction began in 1801 and finished in 1895.
- Cuartel de Dragones (Dragoons' Barracks): Construction began in 1771 and finished in 1797.
- Torre del Vigia (Watchtower): Built in 1800 under the direction of Rafael Pérez del Puerto. Its function was to inform Buenos Aires authorities of the entrance of any ship to the Río de la Plata.
- Maldonado bridge, a stressed ribbon bridge, where the roadbead swoops down, up, and down and up again, employing exceptional economy of material.
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