is served by Chuy Hospital in the southern-central part. Another landmark near Chuy is the lighthouse 10 km away near the Barro du Chui inlet. Beaches here are relatively free of crowds, and sea lions can be spotted in the area. Fuerte San Miguel The Fuerte San Miguel, 8 kilometres to the west, was built on top of a hill in 1737 (construction was started in 1734) with a square plan by the Portuguese. The fort, built with large and heavy stones to create the tall towers (four bastions), thick walls and sturdy ramparts to withstand onslaught of wars that were fought against the Spanish invaders was instrumental in Uruguay evolving as an independent nation. It was built in pink granite stones, is surrounded by a moat, and has been fully restored. It is located in the town of Dieciocho de Julio, 8 km west of Chui along a winding hill road. However, over the years after the independence of Uruguay, the fort's walls started crumbling as it remained untended. The townspeople decided to get the hill top fort restored in 1927. The restoration work was entrusted to Horacio Arredondo, an archaeologist of repute with experience in similar restoration works of another old fort, the Santa Teresa. It is now reconstructed with period architectural artefacts. The refurbished fort still maintains the old moat with the draw bridge that was used as an access to the fort during wars after it was built, and is surrounded by a well-tended garden. As a protected area, the diverse natural ecosystems has also been retained where native wildlife of Monkeys, birds, capybaras and guazubira are seen in the forests and marshland. Under the administration of the Army, the structure is permanently open to visitors, harbouring a Museum of Military History, which highlights the collection of historical uniforms of the garrison, and the sample of the historical evolution of Army uniforms. Fortaleza de Santa Teresa Fortaleza de Santa Teresa which was declared a National Historic Monument by Law on December 26, 1927, has rich history of battles. It lies within the Parque Nacional de Santa Teresa 36 kilometres to the south. The fort erected in October 1762 witnessed many battles for its control. The Portuguese built it in 1762 in anticipation of war with Spain at the La Angostura path to Castillos Chico. Coronel Tomas Luis Onsorio started building the fort. However, construction was stopped