Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

This beautiful little town on the Rio de la Plata is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Although it is very popular with tourists, the day I visited it was quiet and almost deserted. The cobblestone streets and colonial era buildings are picturesque - it's hard to believe that it used to be a very seedy port at one time.

Porton de Campo - original city wall and (reconstructed) gate

Calle de los Suspiros (Steet of Sighs)

Iglesia Matriz

Iglesia Matriz - begun in 1680 - Uruguay's oldest church

Faro (lighthouse) built on the foundation of a 17th century convent

View of Colonia from the lighthouse

View of Colonia from the lighthouse (you can see the church towers in the upper right)

From a window in the lighthouse stair

From the lighthouse - what remains of Convento de San Francisco

Back at the city wall

View of Iglesia Matriz from Plaza de Armas

Sycamore trees

Colonia is known for its picturesque sunsets