The Mermaid's Stone Heart
Myth or Reality
The Stone Heart of Santa Teresa is one of the most symbolic legends associated with the National Park. Rooted in an archaeological discovery and later transformed into literature, it unites indigenous heritage, imagination and national identity.
This section presents selected excerpts from the Book of Honor of the Honorary Administrative Commission of Santa Teresa National Park, published in 1963.
Contents
- Brief Prologue by the President of the Commission and Honorary Director of the Park, Horacio Arredondo
- Transcript of the Message to the General Assembly (February 18, 1921), delivered by Dr. Baltasar Brum
- “The Stone Heart of the Mermaid” (a theme for poets and prose writers), by Dr. Baltasar Brum
- “August Stones”, poem by Dr. José María Delgado
- “The Bats”, by Viator Ignotus (pseudonym of Baltasar Brum)
- “From the Missions to Rocha”, by Carlos M. Cantú
- “Wonders”, by Víctor Pérez Petit
- “Laguna Negra”, by Montiel Ballesteros
- “The Legend of the Fig Tree”, by Dr. Dardo Regules
- “Narrative on Santa Teresa”, by Miguel Víctor Martínez
Reading Guide
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- Discovery: On April 15, 1929, a heart-shaped granite stone was discovered, associated with the indigenous Arachana culture.
- Symbolism: Baltasar Brum transformed this finding into a literary myth through his text The Stone Heart of the Mermaid, included in the Book of Honor (1963).
- Custody: For decades, the stone remained under the protection of Santa Teresa National Park. During the inauguration of the Uruguayan Garden, the original stone was exhibited and a replica installed.
- Legacy: Today, it is regarded as a symbolic “foundation stone” of the Park, uniting indigenous heritage, literature, and national identity.
The Original Stone Heart
Original heart-shaped granite stone discovered in 1929
and preserved by Santa Teresa National Park
The stone heart during the inauguration of the Uruguayan Garden.
It is preserved under careful protection, safeguarded as a unique symbol of history and legend.
Replica in the Uruguayan Garden
Replica of the Stone Heart inaugurated in the
Uruguayan Garden on December 5, 2023
The replica was inaugurated in the Uruguayan Garden of Santa Teresa National Park on December 5, 2023, during the launch of the 2023–2024 summer season.
The moment was recorded in the following video: