Plaza Zabala facts for kids
Plaza Zabala is a beautiful public square located in the historic area of Ciudad Vieja in Montevideo, Uruguay. It's a special place with a unique history and design.
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Plaza Zabala: A Special Square
This plaza is named after Bruno Mauricio de Zabala, who was the founder of the city of Montevideo. It's not just a regular square; it has a unique angled shape. This is different from most streets in the old city, which are laid out in a grid pattern like a checkerboard. The gardens in the plaza were designed by a French landscape architect named Eduardo André. You can also still see old iron fences and gates around the plaza, which are rare in the city today.
How the Plaza Began
The idea for Plaza Zabala started in late 1878. At that time, Colonel Lorenzo Latorre was in charge of the country. He decided to tear down an old fort that used to be there and build a public square instead. However, the spot remained an empty space for 12 years. The Plaza Zabala officially opened on December 31, 1890. This was when the statue of Bruno Mauricio de Zabala was finally put in place.
The Monument to Bruno Mauricio de Zabala
The impressive statue in the plaza shows Bruno Mauricio de Zabala on horseback. It was created by a Spanish sculptor named Lorenzo Coullaut Valera. He worked with a Basque architect named Pedro Muguruza Otaño. The monument was officially revealed to the public much later, on December 27, 1931.
Surrounding Buildings and Streets
The street that goes around Plaza Zabala is called Ring Durango. This name honors the town of Durango in Biscay, Spain, which is where Bruno Mauricio de Zabala was born. On the south side of the plaza, you'll find the Palacio Taranco. This grand building used to be the home of the Ortiz Taranco brothers. Today, it is a museum called the Museum of Decorative Arts. On the west side of the plaza, there's another well-preserved old building. It was once the home of Sáenz de Zumarán and is now the main office for the Discount Bank.
