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Home > Travel Central America > Central America Destinations > Melo
Melo
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is variably defined either as being a region of the Americas in its own right or as the southern portion of North America. Physiographically, Central America is a tropical isthmus that connects North and South America. It includes 7 countries and many small offshore islands. Overall, the land is fertile and rugged, and dominated through its heart by a string of volcanic mountain ranges with a few active volcanos.
Melo is a city in north-eastern Uruguay. It is the capital of the department of Cerro Largo. The population is of 50,578 inhabitants, according to the 2004 census. It is located in the central area of Cerro Largo, 60 kilometers west of the border with Brazil, over the edge of Conventos Stream, this urban settlement can easily be found at kilometers 387 on the 8th road. Other leading ways to the city are roads 7, 26 and 44.
Melo is still an old-fashioned city with low buildings, most of which still keep some ancient wells in their yards. Given its proximity to some Portuguese colonies in Brazil, the Melo Village, as it was once named; was invaded by Portuguese forces in 1801, 1811, and 1816. With Uruguayan independence, Melo was officially declared capital of the department of Cerro Largo.
In 1845, the city square was rebaptized in honor of Manuel Oribe, a political leader of the White Party, which brought out to light the relations of this corner of the country with that National Movement. The Conventos Stream, which was once used for boat races carried out by the Club Remeros Melo, has become severely polluted over time and was consequently forbidden to public access.
Melo is definitely one of the popular tourist attractions in Central America worth paying a visit while touring the country. This place leaves a pleasing and unforgettable memory and justifies the proud cultural tradition of Central America.
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