Doesn’t it seem remarkable that we are standing before a house with such a rich history? This is Casa Tomás Toribio. It stands as one of Montevideo’s few remaining examples of colonial domestic architecture.
Casa Tomás Toribio was built in 1804. It is located in the Ciudad Vieja at Calle Piedras 526-528. The house was designed by Tomás Toribio himself. He was the first architect in Montevideo.
Look closely at the building’s narrow facade. The building occupies a site that is only 4.71 meters wide. This narrowness and the presence of a right-of-way for a freshwater source led to an unconventional design.
Toribio ingeniously designed the Casa Tomás Toribio with the living quarters on the upper floor. This left the ground floor open. It provided a covered passage to the water source. The home’s layout is divided into two sections. A patio and a linear circulation connect all spaces. The front area served as a reception area. Bedrooms and a staircase to the service rooms are located at the back.
Notice the architectural style. It does not follow the typical courtyard style of the time. Instead, it resembles medieval European houses. The facade reflects the austerity of colonial Neoclassicism in Uruguay. The balcony with cast iron balusters adds a touch of elegance. It shares a design with those of the Cabildo.
Casa Tomás Toribio has a ground area of 204 square meters. It is only six meters high and has two floors. The building is made with a wooden frame and a brick system. The facade shows the original austerity of colonial Neoclassicism. The balcony on the first floor is the only richer detail.
In 1976, Casa Tomás Toribio underwent restoration. A skylight was added over the air shaft. A light mezzanine was added at the back. This was to house the Museo Municipal de la Construcción. Since 1986, the upper level has housed a municipal office. It is the Comisión Especial Permanente de la Ciudad Vieja.
Casa Tomás Toribio has been declared a National Historical Monument since 1975. This designation recognizes its historical and architectural significance. The house integrates well with later buildings in the area. It contributes to a morphologically homogeneous environment.
Today, Casa Tomás Toribio serves multiple purposes. It houses office spaces and the Museo Municipal de la Construcción. The museum showcases construction systems from the colonial era. The Casa is also home to the Comisióon Especial Permanente de la Ciudad Vieja. This highlights its ongoing importance to the city.
Take a moment to appreciate the ingenuity and historical value of Casa Tomás Toribio. It exemplifies colonial architecture in Montevideo. It has adapted to serve the city over the centuries. It has seen many changes. It remains a testament to Montevideo’s rich heritage.