La Pilarica, Historic building in Las Piedras, Uruguay

La Pilarica is a colonial-era building dated to 1795 in Las Piedras, Canelones Department, standing 59 metres above sea level on the old road that linked Montevideo with the eastern countryside through the Paso de Las Piedras, today Avenida Julio Sosa. In 1924 the owner Pilar Cabrera added the lookout tower that led locals to call it "el castillo". Since 2008 it has housed a museum of objects from the Battle of Las Piedras.

La Pilarica dates to 1795 and belonged to the family of Don Pedro Rosé, linked to José Gervasio Artigas. Local tradition holds that the Battle of Las Piedras of 1811 was observed from its terrace, and that signals were sent from the site on 18 May 1811. In 1924 Pilar Cabrera bought the property and added the watchtower; the Canelones municipality later acquired and restored the building.

The building functions as a meeting place for local artists and musicians who rehearse theatrical performances and folk dances within its walls. Exhibitions displayed here tell stories about regional heritage and the people who lived through its past.

La Pilarica stands at 59 metres above sea level on Avenida Julio Sosa, the old road that linked Montevideo with the eastern countryside through the Paso de Las Piedras. The building has housed a museum since 2008, with historical objects from the Battle of Las Piedras on display. The tower added in 1924 is the feature to look for when approaching from the avenue.

The name comes from Pilar Cabrera, a merchant who purchased the property in 1924 and added the distinctive tower as a tribute to the Virgin of Pilar. This personal connection between the former owner and religious tradition shaped the character of the place.