plaza de toros

dabesa

The construction of the bullfighting arena has an interesting mix of English and Spanish techniques.But the place is kind of abandoned and there's nothing else around.

pitufo00

....but there isn't much to do here. Most tourists will probably see it from the vantage point of one of the buses that takes a circle tour of Colonia. It is long abandoned and inaccessible for entry, so the only thing that you can do is see it from the outside.

K_b0y

So, this abandoned behemoth, which now sits in the middle of the roundabout, used to be a bull ring, complete with grand entrances and galleries for spectators long gone now. Ah, but if one just uses some imagination - like at the colosseum in Rome - one can almost imagine the energy and excitement of the place.

AMISTAD144

Why are the city officials of Colonia del Sacramento have let this building fell apart over the years? The Plaza de Toros should be sold to foreign private investors with the condition to preserve the outside walls and converted into a shopping center with an attractive food court.

ichibanwanderer

I was actually fascinated by this area, luckily we had a guide who provided us with the history of the 3 main buildings (Bullring, Casino and Jai Alai Centre) as part of a visionary touristic venture in the early 1900's. Bull fighting was actually banned in 1912 and there were only 8 meetings. Unfortunately all the buildings are in poor shape and entry is not allowed, although it is said that they are looking to renovate them as part of the history.

bridgittel2014

It is like a little coliseum so it is worth it to go see it! there is nothing around but it is a really nice old construction to take pictures!

Kirt1

Plaza de Toro is the highlight of the very average one hour tour bus ride. On the plus side the bus is clean, modern and air conditioned but the English commentary is poor and consists mainly of drab music. It could be so much better and for US$25 per head you would be better saving your money.

Robby2012

The whole area seems to be quite run down and depressing. It used to be part of a daring touristic investment, but several government rules led the place to failure. Go only if you have plenty of time.

k_wfrost

LA PLAZA DE TOROS never really operated. Soon after it opened in the early part of the 20th century, Uruguay outlawed the killing of the bulls. This lead to a quick end to the Plaza de Toros. Today it stands, on wobbly legs, as a reminder (along with the nearby FRONTÖN), to a different time. It is officially "off limits" to visitors but people to wander inside to take a few pictures. It is worth the short ride out to Real de San Carlos. Just the ride along La Rambla make it worthwhile.

622JaneC

Fascinating history and a good 5km walk along the waterfront to this rather bemusing folly with an interesting history.

jglicks

The old coliseum is falling apart. You can't go inside because it is a safety risk. It is quite far from the old town, so not worth heading to unless you are staying overnight at a nearby hotel.

elsiek

Situated outside of town and built in 1910, this bull ring was part of a group of buildings specifically constructed for the tourists. Nearby is the race course which is also worth a look. The Plaza de Toros was only in use for two years before the Uruguayan government banned bull fighting & shut it down. What is left is a crumbling structure, surrounded by wire fences and Keep Out notices. It is considered too dangerous to walk around. That said, some gaps in that wire fence meant that a few brave people were inside taking a closer look. From the outside you can see what a magnificent structure it was. Let's hope that someone somewhere restores it to its former glory - albeit with a use other than bull fighting

Canuck72

I drove around the Plaza de Toros, which is fenced off. As I came around the front of the building I saw some people entering the grounds through a hole in the fence. I ended up following suit and got the chance to walk into the old bullring. It was very interesting, and I am glad I got the chance to see it. I would recommend the Plaza be renovated so that it could be visited by tourists. They could include photos of the plaza in its better days, and information on why bullfighting was outlawed...it could be an educational attraction.

Carla_Thiago

We took a taxi at the airport. It was cheap and the driver spend one hour or so with us, showing us around. To get there you go along the rambla costanera, a street by the coast so you can see the beaches and the old city far from you. A place nobody bothers to visit, but really worth it!

Escaloco

The style from the construction its beautiful. It´s very sad that the building has no maintenance. You are not allowed to enter because there is danger of falling.