Rocha, Uruguay

🇺🇾 Rocha is the capital city of the Rocha Department in Uruguay. Rocha borders Maldonado Department to its west, Lavalleja Department to its north-west, Treinta y Tres Department to its north, while to its north-east Laguna Merín forms part of its border with Brazil and at the south end of the lake it also borders the southernmost end of Brazil, with the city of Chuy "shared" between both countries, the border passing through its main commercial avenue.

Rocha has natural beauties like Cabo Polonio, Valizas, Santa Teresa National Park. It is well known for its beach resorts, like Punta del Diablo or La Esmeralda, which swell with visitors during the summer holidays. Inland, the primary economy of Rocha is based on large cattle ranches.

History It was founded in 1793 and had acquired the status of "Villa" (town) before the independence of Uruguay. On 7 July 1880 it was made capital of the Department of Rocha by the Act of Ley Nº 1.474, while its status was elevated to "Ciudad" (city) on 10 January 1894 by the Act of Ley Nº 2.252.

Population In 2011 Rocha had a population of 25,422.

Geography The city is located on the intersection of Route 9 with Route 15, about 70 km (43 mi) north-east of San Carlos of Maldonado Department. The stream Arroyo Rocha flows along the west limits of the city.

Transport Rocha is on the main road from Montevideo to the border with Brazil. Buses connect it to Montevideo. The rail station was closed in the 1980s. There is a small local airfield. There are plans to improve the local infrastructure substantially. The major project planned is to build a deep water port in or near La Paloma. There are also plans to build an airport to bring in tourism, for example, Rocha's lagoon has a circular bridge especially for it.

Places of worship • Parish Church of Our Lady of Remedies (Roman Catholic) • Parish Church of Our Lady of Fatima (Roman Catholic)