Plaza Cagancha

Here we are! We arrived at Plaza de Cagancha, also known informally by many Montevideo residents as Plaza Libertad. We are located in the heart of the Centro neighborhood, on Avenida 18 de Julio, in a nerve center through which the city's urban life passes daily. History. The initial design of this public space dates back to 1829, when engineer José María Reyes outlined the "New City", the planned urban layout beyond the old colonial wall. In 1836, the Italian architect Carlo Zucchi redefined its layout, designing an area that in its first years functioned as a fruit market. Its current name was granted by decree in 1840 to commemorate the Battle of Cagancha of 1839. However, the political tensions of the 19th century caused its name to temporarily change to Plaza 25 de Mayo in 1864, before recovering its definitive name at the end of 1865. Present and surroundings. Today, the square functions as a meeting space and a busy commercial and cultural node. If you look around us, you will see a particular architectural coexistence: South sector: The Piria Palace stands out, a private residence from the beginning of the 20th century that today houses the headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice, along with the Palace of the Courts. Northern sector: The Montero Palace (known as the Sorocabana Building), the historic Atene…

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