“Did you know that this old mill witnessed a transformation? The Canteras del Molino de Pérez stands as a testament to Montevideo’s industrial past. It also shows its evolution into a cherished historical landmark.
Let’s delve into the story of the Molino de Pérez. Juan María Pérez, a Uruguayan merchant, built this watermill in 1840. It’s nestled in what we now call Veltroni Passage. This is near Rambla O’Higgins and Alejandro Gallinal.
Imagine this area in the mid-19th century. Pérez cultivated wheat across forty blocks of his own land. The Molino de Pérez became the heart of his milling operations. The arroyo, later named Del Molino, powered the mill. It flowed steadily. This allowed the mill to function effectively.
The building itself was a mix of practicality and comfort. The ground floor housed the milling equipment, granaries, and storage. Above, the second floor served as Pérez’s home.
After Pérez died in 1845, José Acossano took over its management. The Molino de Pérez continued to operate until 1895. A violent storm struck the area that year. Flooding damaged the wheel’s mechanism.
The mill’s days of grinding grain came to an end. Yet, its story didn’t stop there.
In the 1950s, Montevideo decided to restore the Molino de Pérez. Horacio Arredondo was tasked with rebuilding the wheel. He based his work on the Abra del Perdomo mill in Maldonado. A water channel and wooden buckets were recreated. The original stone grinding wheels remain.
The Molino de Pérez then entered a new phase. It became a center for culture and community. It housed the Julio Herrera y Reissig municipal library. It was also home to the Pedro Figari Museum. The Uruguayan Association of Painters and Sculptors also resided here. Later, it became the Museum of Food.
In 1975, the Molino de Pérez was declared a National Historical Monument. Today, it is protected.
Take a look at the surrounding park. It was created in 1956. The park aimed to restore the Molino de Pérez. It also created a public space along the Malvín stream. The visible quarries offer a unique backdrop. They blend the natural with the historical.
Notice the large wooden wheel. It was added during the restoration. The design reflects the original water-powered mechanism. The Molino de Pérez stands as a reminder of Montevideo’s past. It connects us to the city’s industrial roots. It shows its ongoing commitment to preserving its heritage.”