Beneath our feet lies a hidden history at the Aljibe de la antigua estacion de trenes. It is a story of water, trains and a city’s thirst for progress. Let’s explore the secrets of this old cistern. It whispers tales of a bygone era.
The Aljibe de la antigua estacion de trenes is a relic from a time when water wasn’t as readily available as it is today. During the 17th century people dug wells. They were six to ten meters deep with a diameter of one meter. These wells had a small brick wall around the opening. Later in the 19th century marble was used.
The Jesuits started building aljibes like this in the 17th century. These underground chambers collected rainwater from terraces and patios. Gutters made of tin or ceramic channeled the water. After 1860 iron or lead pipes were used.
Some aljibes had stairs. People could climb down to clean them. Others had a smaller settling pit on the floor. Aljibes were usually in the center of the patio. People used the water for drinking and cooking. This Aljibe de la antigua estacion de trenes would have served a similar vital purpose.
By the late 19th century water supply became a major concern. Buenos Aires grew rapidly. The first train arrived. It needed fresh water to run. Epidemics decimated the population. The city decided to install pipes. This made aljibes less necessary.
By 1880 aljibes were banned because the water network expanded. Few aljibes remain today. The Aljibe de la antigua estacion de trenes stands as a testament to earlier times. It reflects a crucial solution for water storage before modern infrastructure.
The Estacion Central de Buenos Aires played a key role. It operated from 1872 to 1897 near Casa Rosada. The station was a prefabricated wooden structure. It was imported from Great Britain.
All railway companies agreed to use the central station in 1872. Until then Ferrocarril Buenos Aires al Puerto de la Ensenada owned it. The central station had a main platform. Two other platforms served dead-end tracks. There were two cafes and two ladies’ rooms. Trains came from the south over a viaduct. The viaduct started at Casa Amarilla station. It ended at Victoria Street now Hipólito Yrigoyen. Paseo Colón Avenue was later built on this viaduct.
The Ferrocarril del Sud built a small connecting branch. It ran from Barracas station to Tres Esquinas station. This allowed access to the central station. The tracks were next to the Río de la Plata. The Taylor Customs was at the southern end. A dock for cargo was also there. The passenger pier entrance was to the north.
The construction of Puerto Madero in the 1890s changed everything. The tracks blocked access to newly reclaimed land. Opposition grew against trains in the city center.
On February 14 1897 a fire completely destroyed the station. The fire started at 7:25 PM. In two hours only ashes remained. The railway company quickly built wooden ticket offices. The city removed them.
The Aljibe de la antigua estacion de trenes reminds us of a hidden struggle. It is about providing essential resources. It stands as a silent witness. It symbolizes a time before modern conveniences. As we move forward remember the ingenuity of the past. Consider the challenges faced by those who came before us. The Aljibe de la antigua estacion de trenes is more than just a ruin. It is a symbol of resilience innovation and the enduring human spirit.