Bar Facal

Here it is, on the corner of Avenida 18 de Julio and Yí. In front of us is Bar Facal, the oldest downtown bar in Montevideo. History. The origins of this place date back to 1882, when the Galician immigrant Manuel Facal and his brothers decided to open a commercial establishment here. In its beginnings it did not function exactly like the café we see today, but rather as a factory dedicated to the artisanal production of chocolates and quince paste. As the decades passed, the business transformed until it became consolidated as a traditional meeting point for gastronomy and daily life in the Montevideo Center. Throughout the 20th century, its tables witnessed gatherings of journalists, artists and residents of the city. Curiosities As we approach the entrance, several characteristic elements draw our attention: The statue of Carlos Gardel: On the sidewalk we can see a life-size sculpture of the famous tango singer Carlos Gardel, sitting next to a table, a highly sought-after photographic point by those who walk the avenue. The Fountain of Padlocks: Right next to the entrance is this fountain where visitors and couples place engraved padlocks as a symbol of affection or a memory of their time in the city. Live Tango: If we meet here at noon, from Monday to Saturday at 1:00 p.m., the bar offers a tango show at…

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