El Águila, Stone building in Villa Argentina, Uruguay.
El Aguila is a stone building in Villa Argentina shaped like a creature that is half eagle and half dolphin. It sits on the edge of a cliff and looks out over the beach.
In 1945 an Italian businessman named Natalio Michelizzi hired a builder called Juan Torres to construct this unusual house. What started as a private home became a landmark that people have traveled to see.
The stone work shows the hand of local craftspeople who carved natural animal forms directly into the facade. These creatures merged with the building's shape make it instantly recognizable and give it a character that feels rooted in the coast.
The building sits on an exposed cliff, so wearing sturdy shoes helps when exploring around it. You can reach the terrace and beach below by using the staircase that is built into the structure.
The building features a large terrace shaped like a ship that is supported by the cliff itself. This ship-shaped platform creates an unusual connection between inside and outside, giving visitors an unforgettable experience.
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