Castillo Mauá
Soriano
Castillo Mauá, located in Soriano, Uruguay, is a notable historic estate originally owned by Irineo Evangelista de Sousa, the Baron and Viscount of Mauá, who acquired the property between 1857 and 1859. Despite its popular name, the "castle" was actually the main house of a large rural estate, built around 1860 with neoclassical influences combining Uruguayan estancia and Brazilian fazenda styles. The two-story building houses the Alejandro Berro Paleontological Museum on the ground floor, while the upper floor contains the main rooms that now serve as La Posada del Arte, accessible via an external horseshoe-shaped staircase decorated with Portuguese tiles and wrought iron railings. Terraces at the ends of the upper floor offer beautiful views, particularly the northern Summer Terrace overlooking the majestic Río Negro. Surrounding the main building are former service quarters and storage buildings, mostly unused today except for public restrooms on the north side. The estate was later owned by Italian Buenaventura Caviglia, who added a wine cellar that still produces Mauá wines. The site remains a major attraction in Mercedes, blending cultural heritage, art, and natural scenery.
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Tip: Visit Castillo Mauá from Monday to Friday between 1 PM and 7 PM, or on weekends from 1 PM to 5 PM. Admission is free, but check opening hours ahead to avoid closures. The best views are from the northern terrace, especially on clear days. Consider exploring the museum and the art inn for a full experience.
Interesting facts
- •The building combines Uruguayan estancia style with Brazilian fazenda architectural elements.
- •The external horseshoe-shaped staircase is decorated with Portuguese tiles and wrought iron railings.
- •The estate includes the Alejandro Berro Paleontological Museum on the ground floor.
- •The wine cellar added by Buenaventura Caviglia still produces Mauá wines today.
- •The northern terrace offers panoramic views over the Río Negro.
History
The estate was acquired by Irineo Evangelista de Sousa, the Baron of Mauá, between 1857 and 1859, with the main building constructed around 1860.
Initially serving as the main house of an extensive rural property, it reflects the neoclassical style with influences from Uruguayan and Brazilian rural architecture.
Later, Italian owner Buenaventura Caviglia added a wine cellar, which continues to produce Mauá wines.
Over time, the estate evolved from a private residence to a cultural and tourist site housing a museum and art inn.
Place Guide
Alejandro Berro Paleontological Museum
Located on the ground floor, this museum showcases paleontological collections, offering insights into the region's prehistoric past.
La Posada del Artecirca 1860
Situated on the upper floor, this art inn occupies the main rooms of the estate, accessible via the decorative horseshoe-shaped external staircase.
Northern Summer Terrace
This terrace on the north end of the upper floor provides stunning views of the Río Negro and surrounding landscapes.
Wine Cellar
Added by later owner Buenaventura Caviglia, this cellar continues the tradition of producing Mauá wines, linking the estate to local viticulture.
Contact
Phone: 4532 2201
