Calera de las Hurfanas Revalued as a Heritage and Tourism Site

Strategic Insights -

The signing of a significant agreement between the Ministry of Tourism, the Municipality of Colonia, and the National Cultural Heritage Commission marks the next stage in the consolidation work on the Chapel of Bethlehem in Calera de las Hurfanas, a site recognized for its heritage values since the 20th century. Calera de las Hurfanas is part of the Emerging Tourism Destinations Development Program, launched by the Ministry in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) since 2019. The Minister of Tourism, Pablo Menoni, highlighted the site's importance in the international arena, noting its representation of Uruguay at a recent meeting of Ministers of Tourism and High-Level Authorities from Latin America. The site boasts 32 hectares, including a ranch house, declared a national historic monument in 1976. Additionally, it is part of the Jesuit Way of South America regional circuit.

Key Takeaways:

  • The signing of the agreement marks the final stage of consolidation work on the Chapel of Bethlehem in Calera de las Hurfanas, with the National Cultural Heritage Commission, the Municipality of Colonia, and the Ministry of Tourism committing to the project.
  • Calera de las Hurfanas is part of the Emerging Tourism Destinations Development Program, launched in 2019 with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which aims to develop tourism destinations in Uruguay.
  • The site is marked by its 32 hectares, including a ranch house, declared a national historic monument in 1976, and its inclusion in the Jesuit Way of South America regional circuit.
  • The agreement will allow for phases 2 and 3 of the chapel's consolidation work, including cleaning and protecting walls, installing openings, and enclosures, entailing an investment of $12,000,000.
  • The IDB has invested $20,000,000 in the chapel's restoration since February 2023, with completion of the first phase of its restoration.
  • The new agreement is vital for protecting the building and ensuring the sustainability of the investment, with significant improvements to the site, including accessible restrooms, viewing platform, and bridge on the Lime Kilns trail.

Statistics:

  • $20,000,000 has been invested by the IDB in the chapel's restoration since February 2023.
  • $12,000,000 will be invested from the Colonia Municipality and MINTUR-IDB Program for the completion of phases 2 and 3 of the chapel's consolidation work.
  • 1976 - The year Calera de las Hurfanas's ranch house was declared a national historic monument.

Sources:

  • "Signing of Agreement: Calera de las Hurfanas Revalued as a Heritage and Tourism Site" (Contify.com, 08/16/2025)
  • "Emerging Tourism Destinations Development Program" (Ministry of Tourism, Uruguay)