DISCOVERING THE URUGUAYAN CAPITAL, TEN CURIOSITIES OF MONTEVIDEO!
2024/03/15
Montevideo, the jewel on the banks of the Río de la Plata, is not only the capital of Uruguay but also a fascinating melting pot of history, culture and vitality. In this article, we will explore the origins of this city and some of its most interesting curiosities.
It has its roots in the colonial period, when it was founded by the Spaniard Bruno Mauricio de Zabala on December 24, 1726. Originally called "Monte VI de San Felipe y Santiago de Montevideo", the city experienced several periods of Spanish, Portuguese and Portuguese rule. British throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
During the 19th century, Montevideo played a fundamental role in the independence of Uruguay and became an important port. Colonial architecture and historic neighborhoods, such as Ciudad Vieja, reflect the city's rich cultural heritage.
Here are ten curiosities about the city of Montevideo!
1. Deciphering the enigma of the name: Mystical origin of Montevideo
Montevideo, the charming Uruguayan capital, keeps the enigma of its name in its history. Among several theories, a little-known one suggests that "Mount VI From East to West" alludes to the sixth hill along the coast. This theory, although debated, adds a touch of mystery to the birth of the city.
2. Relic of the Citadel: The story behind the Centenary Gate
The Puerta de la Ciudadela, the last vestige of the 18th century walls, protects the history of Montevideo. Interestingly, moved stone by stone in the 1950s, its current location preserves this historic monument that once protected the city from attack.
3. Pioneer World Cup: Montevideo and soccer in 1930
Montevideo made history by hosting the first FIFA World Cup in 1930. Uruguay, in addition to hosting, was crowned champion by beating Argentina in the final. The uniqueness lies in the low participation of European teams due to the travel limitations of the time and in the completion of the Centenario Stadium just five days before the tournament.
4. Candombe: The drums that resonate in Montevideo
Candombe, rooted in the Sur and Palermo neighborhoods, is an Afro-Uruguayan cultural expression declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The peculiarity lies in the practice of this tradition with three different drums, each with its unique sound and role in the music.
5. Brazilian Café: A historical corner of meetings and letters
Since 1877, the Café Brasilero in the Old City is a historical treasure of Montevideo. What few know is that it still preserves the table where José Enrique Rodó, renowned Uruguayan writer and philosopher, used to sit to write and debate ideas, turning it into a space impregnated with culture and intellectuality.
6. Capurro Park, a centuries-old treasure: Inspired by European spas
Erected at the dawn of the 20th century under the direction of the Italian Veltroni, together with J. Knab and Racine in charge of the landscaping, this monument marked the landscape of Montevideo from its conception. However, his destiny would take an unexpected turn.
Declared a historical monument in 1975, the year 1980 saw the demolition of much of this architectural jewel to make way for the construction of the access route to the city. A sacrifice that left a void in the history of Montevideo.
In 2019, a hopeful rebirth took shape with improvement works that revitalized the space. The goal is to give residents the opportunity to rediscover and enjoy this beautiful urban corner. The city of Montevideo celebrated the restoration, thus returning a touch of its original splendor to this century-old piece.
7. Lecocq Park: Biodiversity and conservation
Built between 1946 and 1949 by architect Mario Paysée, the innovative Parc Lecocq was initially a zoo with the vision of housing species from around the world. Today, under the name of businessman Francisco Lecocq, it is a conservation center with 150 hectares of meadows, forests and water. With more than 500 animals, including 33 species, this site is an important bird watching point, with more than 100 species recorded.
8. Taranco Palace: History, theater and diplomacy
This emblematic building, once the first theater in the city known as Teatro San Felipe, today has housed the Museum of Decorative Arts since 1972. Located on the same site as the historic Casa de Comedias, the Taranco Palace stands as a witness to the signature of the Montevideo Act in 1979, resolving the border conflict between Chile and Argentina over the Beagle Channel. An architectural and diplomatic jewel, without a doubt, in the history of the city.
9. The Capitoline Wolf: a sculptural tribute and an ode to mythology
Nestled in the heart of the Tres Cruces neighborhood as part of the "Roma Fountain to the city of Montevideo", the emblematic Capitoline Wolf is a sculptural tribute to the city. Its base bears the inscription "Eternal Rome to the city of Montevideo." Inaugurated on December 23, 1938, it has passed through various locations before finding its current home in the Plaza de la Democracia, near Avenida 8 de Octubre and Boulevard Artigas. Built in bronze and sandblasted gray granite, this replica of the Roman legend of the founders of Rome is a symbol rooted in the history of Montevideo.
10. From prison to shopping center: a radical change for Punta Carretas
In the center of Montevideo lies Punta Carretas, a shopping plaza with an unusual past: originally built as a prison in 1915. However, the security of the building was questioned after a series of incidents, including escapes in the 1970s and a riot in 1986, which ultimately led to the closure of the prison. Today, the site houses a shopping center, Punta Carretas Shopping, which opened its doors in 1994, maintaining the arch and the exterior façade of the prison, letting its prison history continue to permeate its walls.
Montevideo is much more than a capital; It is a living testimony of the rich history of Uruguay and a place where tradition mixes with modernity. Its streets, squares and coastlines tell fascinating stories, while its inhabitants embody the warmth and hospitality that characterize this unique city.