Ola Uruguay Real Estate and Investments

Just six kilometers outside the city of Mercedes is the famous Castle of the Viscount and Baron of Mauá. This architectural masterpiece dates back to 1860, and once belonged to one of the most remarkable ranchers in the region.

Once inside the grounds, a one-way road leads to the main porch. This luxurious and impressive building resembling a fortress belonged to Irineo Evangelista de Souza, a Brazilian businessman that, thanks to his fortune, earned the titles of Baron and Viscount of Mauá.

It is said that this enigmatic character was born into poverty but became rich as a result of his entrepreneurial spirit. His business was in wool production, which won him many awards in events held in Paris and London. Originally built as a farmhouse on 16,000 hectares, the castle was used as a resting place for the Baron when he visited after leaving his home in London. Nowadays, only three hectares make up the premises, with forests of acacia, tala, and espinillo, all along the gorgeous bank of the Negro River.

Today, the building belongs to the Soriano Town Hall. The facilities now also include a small municipal zoo and the Alejandro Berro Paleontology Museum, both located inside the building. The museum houses one of the most important paleontology collections in the region.

The highlight is the Mauá Wines winery, where you learn some of the secrets of Uruguayan winemaking. Inside the winery, the family coat of arms reads: “Determination at work always prevails”. The charrúa producers show the storage barrels and the casks made of French oak. You are then invited to taste the exquisite wine. Of strong character, Uruguayan wine has an unmistakable European profile: high tartness and less alcohol. It has well defined sensory characteristics with an aromatic bouquet and tannin flavor. There is no doubt that it is gaining worldwide popularity.

To end the tour, head toward the riverbank, and watch the beautiful sunset in Mercedes.

The information in this article has been reproduced here with the permission of www.welcomeuruguay.com.