Fortaleza del Cerro, also known as Fortaleza General Artigas, is a fortress situated in Montevideo, Uruguay overlooking the Bay of Montevideo. It belongs to the barrio of Casabó, at the west of Villa del Cerro. It holds a dominant position on the highest hill of the department of Montevideo]] (popularly known as Cerro de Montevideo with its altitude of 134 meters above sea level the sea, on the opposite side of the bay.[1] Its function was to defend the population of Montevideo and its port, on the río de la Plata. Governor Francisco Xavier de Elío ordered construction in 1809 and it was completed in 1839;[1] this was the last Spanish fort built in Uruguay.It has housed the Military Museum since 1916.
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On its location an observation post was first built by the Spanish in the late 18th century. In 1802 a beacon replaced it and from 1809 to 1839 the fortress was built.[2] It has taken part in many historical developments and has been repeatedly taken over by various sides. In 1907, the old beacon was replaced with a stronger electric one.
It is a National Monument since 1931[3] and houses a military museum since 1916[2]. Today it is one of the tourist attractions of Montevideo.