Bar y Almacén del Hacha, Colonial bar in Ciudad Vieja, Uruguay.
Bar y Almacén del Hacha is a colonial building at the intersection of Buenos Aires and Maciel streets in Ciudad Vieja, known for its thick walls measuring about 60 centimeters. The structure preserves its original grating system, typical of storage houses from that period.
The building was founded in 1730 and received its current name in 1794 following an incident where an Italian sailor killed an employee. This event became part of the location's story.
The place served as a gathering spot for different people - Creoles, Italians, Sephardic Jews, and those of African descent - all shaping the neighborhood's character. Visitors can still sense this layered community history when they step inside.
The site is a protected monument, so its facade and original architectural features are preserved. Visitors should be aware that old buildings like this often have low ceilings and narrow passages due to their age.
In 2004, the Uruguayan Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp series featuring the location, honoring its national heritage status. This recognition shows how much the place matters to the country's identity.
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