Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, Punta del Este

Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, Punta del Este tickets: which one to buy

The Church of Our Lady of Candelaria stands on the peninsula of Punta del Este, Uruguay, in the old part of the resort town close to the lighthouse, and entry is free when the church is open. It is a small, simple church, much photographed for its white walls against the blue sky, and it is the main Catholic church of the peninsula.

Most visitors to Punta del Este come for the beaches, the nightlife and the sculpture of the hand emerging from the sand, Los Dedos, on Brava beach, and city tours combine the church with the lighthouse, the port, where sea lions gather, and the Avenida Gorlero. Punta del Este is about two hours by bus from Montevideo. The church is active, and masses are held regularly, particularly in the summer season. Opening hours are limited outside mass times. Buses from Montevideo's Tres Cruces terminal to Punta del Este run frequently.

Visiting Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, Punta del Este: what to see

The church is dedicated to the Virgin of Candelaria, patroness of the Canary Islands, reflecting the origins of many of the settlers who came to Uruguay from the Canaries. It stands in the oldest part of Punta del Este, near the lighthouse, where the town began as a small fishing settlement before becoming one of the most famous resorts in South America. The church is modest in size, with a white facade, a small bell tower and a simple, bright interior with wooden pews, a statue of the Virgin above the altar and stained glass windows. Its setting, a few steps from the sea and the lighthouse, gives it a peaceful, seaside atmosphere.

The area around the church, with its narrow streets and old houses, contrasts with the high-rise buildings along the beaches. The church is a popular place for weddings, especially in summer. The church's altar is simple, with a statue of the Virgin holding a candle, the symbol of the Candelaria. The windows let in the bright light of the coast. The church's bell tower can be seen from the lighthouse square. The walls hold paintings and plaques donated by parishioners. The church's garden has palm trees and flowers. The lighthouse nearby, built in 1860, can be climbed for views over the peninsula. The old town streets around the church have small restaurants and shops. The port, a short walk away, has fishing boats and yachts.

Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, Punta del Este opening hours and the best time to go

The church is open for masses and at limited times during the day. Punta del Este is extremely busy in the summer season, from late December to February, when Argentine and Uruguayan holidaymakers fill the town, and quiet in winter, when many businesses close. Spring and autumn are pleasant, with fewer visitors. The feast of the Virgin of Candelaria on 2 February brings a celebration. Sunset at the lighthouse and the port is popular. Allow about fifteen minutes for the church, and walk to the lighthouse and the port to see the sea lions. Isla de Lobos, a sea lion colony offshore, can be visited on boat trips from the port of Punta del Este.