Capurro

Giovanni Battista Capurro. A name whispered on the salty breeze of Montevideo’s coast. Here in Capurro, his legacy lingers. This suburb, named after the Genoan mariner, echoes with tales of industry, leisure, and a touch of dark history. Capurro, arriving in Uruguay around the time of its first constitution, saw opportunity in the land along the Bay of Montevideo. Around 1830, he purchased coastal property near the mouth of the Miguelete stream. He built a magnificent residence, surrounded by sprawling gardens. He called it “La Meca,” a testament to his ambition. Capurro’s land was abundant with fresh water springs and vast sand dunes. He began selling the fresh water to European ships returning home, and the sand, to be used as ballast. This enterprise, while lucrative, slowly eroded the once-expansive beach. His sons, inheriting their father’s entrepreneurial spirit, built a structure reminiscent of French gardens. It still stands today, a testament to the family’s vision, restored by the Montevideo authorities. Capurro, a forward-thinking businessman, even proposed a water delivery system during a drought in 1870. He offered to supply the city with water from his springs, though heavy rains ultimately made his services unnecessary. The area’s natural beauty also attracted visitors. A steamboat route from the port to Cerro made Capurro a popular stop. Passengers could disembark at the Capurro pier for half the price of a full ticket. This seaside suburb, once a hub for slave trade, became a sought-after destination. Before Capurro’s arrival, the area housed the “Caserío de Negros.” These barracks, built by the Spanish company Real Compañía de Filipinas, held enslaved Africans arriving at the port. Following Uruguay’s independence, the barracks were demolished, making way for a new era. The industrial development of Capurro began with Juan and Federico, Capurro’s sons. They established starch, alcohol, and beer factories, laying the foundation for the area’s industrial future. These very grounds are now occupied by ALUR and the former ANCAP alcohol plant. The Capurro brothers also envisioned a grand seaside resort, forming the Sociedad Gran Balneario de Playa Honda in the late 19th century. This dream flourished for a while. The area became a popular beach destination, especially after the introduction of electric trams in 1906. However, by the 1920s, other beaches like Pocitos began to eclipse Capurro’s popularity. The arrival of ANCAP’s fuel refinery in 1936 further diminished Capurro’s appeal as a recreational spot. So here we are, in Capurro, a neighborhood marked by the vision of Giovanni Battista Capurro. From slave barracks to bustling beach and industrial hub, Capurro bears the marks of its rich and complex past. The story of Capurro continues to unfold, a blend of history, industry, and the enduring spirit of its namesake.