Montevideo’s Central Cemetery: Uruguay’s best-kept secret for cat lovers
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Upon your visit to the Central Cemetery of Barrio Sur (Cementerio Central) in Montevideo, your attention will likely be drawn to the abundance of free-roaming cats. They stroll between the graves, rest on the sun-warmed slabs, sleep in the chapels, and follow you around wherever you go, making this graveyard Uruguay’s best-kept secret for cat lovers. Yet the question remains: where do these cats come from?

Cats of the Central Cemetery of Barrio Sur in Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo cemetery

Why are there so many cats at the Central Cemetery of Barrio Sur in Montevideo?

If there is one location in Uruguay historically linked to cats, it is indeed the Central Cemetery of Barrio Sur in Montevideo. And when you think about it, it’s not so surprising.

The Central Cemetery is quieter and less disturbed than other areas in Montevideo, and this tranquility appeals to many stray and feral cats. The various nooks and crannies, such as mausoleums, tombstones, and other structures, provide shelter from the elements, while the vegetation and trees attract birds and insects, providing a potential food source.

Cementerio Central Montevideo

Don’t expect to come across them by the dozens in the midst of the grand alleys. At first, you might even think you won’t spot any. However, with a bit of searching, you’ll likely stumble upon a pair of ears peeking out from a tombstone or a hindquarters discreetly vanishing.

Eventually, with patience, you might catch a cat basking in the warmth on a beautiful piece of marble heated by the sun, or another feasting on the fresh vegetation adorning a grave.

If you’re lucky, one might even come by to say hello.

Montevideo Cementerio Central

For a long time, the stray cat population was deemed out of control in Uruguay. A decree even emphasized that “the country was in a critical situation” regarding the quantity of undomesticated dogs and cats.

This was primarily due to uncontrolled breeding and insufficient measures for population management. The absence of effective spaying and neutering programs contributed to rapid reproduction among stray cats, leading to an exponential increase in their numbers.

Additionally, a lack of responsible ownership practices, abandonment, and limited resources for the welfare of these animals exacerbated the problem.

Montevideo cemeteryMontevideo cemetery

However, since the National Reproductive Control Program was set in place, street dogs and cats are now obliged to undergo sterilization.

The INBA (National Institute of Animal Welfare) will have the authority to rescue or capture dogs and cats found in public places for sterilization, identification, and registration.

Animals that go unclaimed may be put up for adoption or housed in shelters.

This means that the number of free-roaming cats at the Central Cemetery of Barrio Sur will likely be dwindling over the next few years.

Montevideo cemeteryMontevideo cemetery

A short history of the Central Cemetery of Montevideo

The Central Cemetery of Barrio Sur (Cementerio Central) was founded in 1835, during a period of significant growth and development in Montevideo. Prior to the establishment of this cemetery, burials were often conducted in churchyards or family plots.

Over the years, it has become an important cultural and historical site. Its architecture reflects various styles from different periods, and the tombstones and mausoleums tell the stories of the individuals and families buried there.

Montevideo cemetery

The Central Cemetery has served as the final resting place for many prominent figures in Uruguayan history, including political leaders, intellectuals, and artists. Some of the most important names connected to this place are:

  1. Eduardo Acevedo: A prominent Uruguayan lawyer, politician, and writer. He played a key role in the political and cultural life of Uruguay during the 19th century.
  2. Mario Benedetti: A highly regarded Uruguayan writer and poet. His works, which include novels, poems, and essays, often dealt with social and political issues.
  3. Delmira Agustini: An influential Uruguayan poet known for her modernist and feminist writings. Her poems explored themes of sensuality and female empowerment, and she is considered one of the leading literary figures of the early 20th century in Latin America.
  4. Jorge Batlle: An Uruguayan politician who served as the President of Uruguay from 2000 to 2005. His political career spanned several decades, and he was known for his involvement in both national and international affairs.
  5. Luis Batlle Berres: An Uruguayan politician who served as President of Uruguay from 1947 to 1951. He belonged to the prominent Batlle family, which had a significant impact on Uruguayan politics.
  6. José Batlle y Ordóñez: A statesman and politician who served as President of Uruguay from 1903 to 1907 and again from 1911 to 1915. He was a key figure in the modernization of Uruguay and implemented various social and political reforms.
  7. Juan Manuel Blanes: A renowned Uruguayan painter and artist. His works often depicted historical and patriotic themes, and he is considered a central figure in the development of Uruguayan visual arts.
  8. Zelmar Michelini: An Uruguayan politician and journalist. He was a member of the Uruguayan Senate and a key figure in the political opposition. He, along with Héctor Gutiérrez Ruiz, was assassinated in 1976 during the military dictatorship.
  9. Luis Alberto de Herrera: An Uruguayan political leader and founder of the National Party. He played a crucial role in shaping Uruguayan politics and advocating for democratic principles.
  10. Benito Nardone: An influential Uruguayan political figure and founder of the Ruralist movement. He was known for his agrarian and nationalist ideas, and his political career had a lasting impact on Uruguayan politics.
  11. José Enrique Rodó: A  prominent Uruguayan essayist and philosopher. His most famous work, Ariel, is considered a foundational text in Latin American literature and intellectual thought.
  12. Juan Zorrilla de San Martín: A celebrated Uruguayan poet and writer. His epic poem Tabaré is one of the most significant literary works in Uruguayan literature, depicting the indigenous people and their struggles.

Montevideo cemetery

Practical information

Address:

Central Cemetery, Av. Gonzalo Ramírez 1302, 11100 Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo, Uruguay.

Opening hours:

Central Cemetery is open each day, including weekends, between 09:00 am and 04:45 pm.

Montevideo cemetery

Conclusion – Is the Central Cemetery of Montevideo Uruguay’s best-kept secret for cat lovers?

If you love cats and graveyards, Montevideo’s Central Cemetery will probably become your favorite place in Uruguay.

Here, you will find cats sprawled all over the place – lounging on graves, soaking up the sun in the middle of a rutted path, bathing in the shade of a headstone.

This is their territory.

It is a peaceful oasis where it’s okay to pause and pet the cats.

Cat pictures by Sobi

Montevideo cemetery

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