Paysandú (Spanish pronunciation: [pajsanˈdu]) is the capital and most populous city of the Paysandú Department in western Uruguay. Located on the banks of the Uruguay River, it is the country's fourth-largest city and a vital cultural and economic hub, with agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing serving as key industries.
Located in the southwestern part of the department, across from the Argentine city of Colón in Entre Ríos Province, it was founded in the mid-18th century and is known as the La Heroica (Spanish for 'The Heroic City') for its rich history, particularly its resistance during the Siege of Paysandú in 1864-65.
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History
It was founded in October 1756 and had acquired the status of "Villa" (town) before the independence of Uruguay. On 8 June 1863, its status was elevated to "Ciudad" (city) by the Act of Ley Nº 780.
General Leandro Gomez led Uruguayan forces to save the town from an invasion by Brazilian forces in 1864–1865. A battle took place on 2 December 1864.
From the late nineteenth century, Paysandú experienced a significant influx of Italian immigrants, who settled in both urban and rural areas. Initially, many were engaged in river transport, trade and agriculture. By the early twentieth century, the city had become one of the principal centers of Italian settlement in Uruguay, second only to Montevideo. During this period, various associations and institutions were established to serve and organize the Italian community. By 1992, it was estimated that approximately 65% of the population of the Paysandú Department was of Italian descent.
Population
In 2023 Paysandú had a population of 81,550. It is the fourth largest city in Uruguay, after Montevideo, Salto and Ciudad de la Costa.
Source: National Statistics Institute
Paysandú is more cosmopolitan than most Uruguayan cities, with many settlers from Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Belgium and various African nations.
Geography
The city is located on the banks of the Uruguay River, which forms the border with Argentina. It lies 378 kilometres (235 mi) northwest of Montevideo via Route 1 and Route 3, on the junction of the latter with Route 90. As of the census of 2011 it was the fourth-most populated city of the country.
A small distance north of the city is the General Artigas Bridge that links Uruguay with the Entre Ríos Province of Argentina, south of the city Colón.
Climate
Paysandú has a humid subtropical climate, described by the Köppen climate classification as Cfa. Summers are warm to hot and winters are cool, with the occurrence of frosts and fog. The precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, although winters are slightly drier, with an average of 1,181 mm (46.5 in), and the annual average temperature is around 19 °C (66 °F). On 20 January 1943, Paysandú recorded a temperature of 44.0 °C (111.2 °F), which is the joint highest (along with Florida) temperature to have ever been recorded in Uruguay. The lowest temperature to have ever been recorded in Paysandú is −7.4 °C (18.7 °F) in June.
Economy
The main industries in the city are Norteña brewery, Azucarlito (sugar), Paylana (which is a producer of world-class woolen fabrics), and Paycuero (leather). Paysandú is also the centre of plantation forest industry in Uruguay, with many companies involved in the planting and harvesting of Eucalyptus plantations.
Transportation
The city is served by Tydeo Larre Borges International Airport.
Recreation
Paysandú has some fine recreational beaches on the Uruguay River which have lifeguards during the summer. It is also home to many sporting clubs, including a rowing club, yacht club, and numerous others for football, rugby, hockey, tennis and polo.
Education
Previously the area had a German school, Deutsche Schule Paysandú.
Also the city has a Center of the University of the Republic (Centro Universitario de Paysandú).
Places of worship
Parish Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Benedict of Palermo (Roman Catholic)
St. Raymond and St. John Bosco Parish Church (Roman Catholic, Salesians of Don Bosco)
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Church (Roman Catholic)
St. Joseph the Worker Parish Church (Roman Catholic)
Notable people
Politicians
Reinaldo Gargano (FA), Foreign Minister of Uruguay (2005–2008) †
Jorge Larrañaga (PN), Senator (1956-2021) †
Raúl Sendic Rodríguez (FA), Vice-President of Uruguay 2015–2017
Football players
Sebastián Soria, Qatari football player
Walter Gargano, football player of Peñarol
Nicolás Lodeiro, football player of Seattle Sounders FC
Bosco Frontán, retired footballer who played mostly in Uruguay and Mexico
Egidio Arévalo Rios, the 10th most capped player for Uruguay with 91, currently with Correcaminos UAT
Maxi Gómez, football player of Trabzonspor
Marcelo Saracchi, football player of Levante
Miguel Merentiel, football player of Boca Juniors
Musicians
Los Iracundos
Alfredo Eusebio Gobbi, tango musician
Other
Clotilde Luisi (1882–1969), first woman to study law at the University of the Republic
Ricardo Armentano, professor and researcher of international repute
Hiber Conteris (1933-2020), literary critic and playwright
Cecilia Comunales (born 1988), world champion boxer
Twinned cities
Hellín, Spain
Muscatine, Iowa, United States
Smara, Western Sahara