Villa Soriano is a town in the Soriano Department of Uruguay. Historically, it was also known as Santo Domingo de Soriano. It had acquired the status of "Villa" (town) before the Independence of Uruguay.
Geography It is located on the northwest end of Route 96, on the south bank of the river Río Negro, before it discharges into Río Uruguay.
History In 1624, a Franciscan Mission established a village for the indigenous tribes of the area named Santo Domingo de Soriano. It constituted the first permanent European settlement on Uruguayan soil, predating the foundation of Colonia del Sacramento by more than fifty years. It was moved to its current location in 1708. The construction of its church began in 1751.
The town has strong associations with General José Gervasio Artigas, who is honoured by Uruguayans as the 19th century liberator of the country.
Population In 2011, Villa Soriano had a population of 1,124. Year Population 1908 6,303 1963 1,036 1975 1,120 1985 1,068 1996 1,074 2004 1,184 2011 1,124
Places of worship St. Dominic Soriano Chapel (Roman Catholic)
See also Soriano Department History of Uruguay
References
External links https://www.villasoriano.com/ Page documenting the founding of Villa Santo Domingo Soriano, Uruguay, in 1624. Based on Wilde Marotta's book and Federico Marotta's research work. Official site of Villa Soriano SorianoTotal.com 'Villa Soriano' Villa Santo Domingo Soriano Villa Soriano, Uruguay INE map of Villa Soriano and La Loma